California Governor Signs Bill for Driverless Vehicles, Vetoes Two Others

California's Recent AI Legislation: Understanding the Dynamics of Autonomous Vehicle Regulations

In a surprising turn of events, California Governor Gavin Newsom has made headlines by vetoing a significant artificial intelligence bill. However, amidst this turbulence, three additional bills focused on regulating a different facet of AI - autonomous vehicles (AV) - quietly reached his desk. Of these, Newsom signed one bill into law while vetoing the other two, raising questions about the state's approach to balancing technology and safety.

Overview of the Legislation

The bills significant to autonomous vehicles included:

• AB 1777: Signed into law, setting guidelines for AV handling during accidents.
• AB 2286: Vetoed, aimed at banning autonomous trucks from public roads.
• AB 3061: Vetoed, intended to require data reporting for AV companies.

Governor Newsom's Vetoes: Insights into Autonomous Truck Regulations

Governor Newsom's decision to veto AB 2286 aimed at imposing a ban on autonomous trucks reflects ongoing debates concerning the future of employment for truck drivers in California. Labor groups have consistently pushed for such regulations, advocating for a requirement that self-driving trucks always have a human operator present. This stipulation, however, conflicts with AV companies' objectives to operate driverless vehicles effectively.

In his veto message, Newsom emphasized that California already has extensive draft regulations, which are among the most comprehensive in the nation for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. Specifically, these regulations aim to:

• Restrict driverless trucks from operating on roads exceeding 50 mph.
• Prohibit carrying hazardous materials.

Challenges in Reporting and Data Regulation

Regarding AB 3061, which sought to impose new reporting requirements for AV collisions and vehicle disengagements, Newsom acknowledged the importance of the bill's intent but deemed its implementation timeline “infeasible.” This highlights ongoing tensions between the rapid evolution of technology and the capacity of regulatory bodies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), to keep pace with these changes.

Introduction of AB 1777: A Step Towards Enhanced Public Safety

On a more affirmative note, AB 1777 was ratified, mandating that AV companies establish a hotline specifically for police communication regarding autonomous vehicle incidents that may disrupt emergency situations. This legislative measure arises from recurring incidents where driverless vehicles have interfered with critical operations, such as when a Waymo vehicle obstructed Vice President Kamala Harris’ motorcade.

The bill grants police the authority to issue traffic citations for AVs in non-compliance situations. While these citations do not incur monetary penalties, repeated violations could lead to the revocation of operating permits by the DMV.

The Balancing Act: Innovation and Public Safety

Assemblymember Phil Ting, who sponsored AB 1777, articulated the necessity of prioritizing public safety without hindering technological innovation. This aligns with the broader perspective that California must proactively address the implications of increasing AV prevalence on its streets.

As discussions around AV regulation continue to evolve, it remains crucial for stakeholders to strike a balance between embracing innovation and ensuring the safety of all road users.