The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry testified in favor of legislation that would establish clear legal and regulatory rules to allow autonomous vehicles on public roads in the state.
HB 2069, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (R-Warrensburg), was heard before the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee.
The legislation, which passed out of the House last month, would require operators to submit a plan to the Missouri Department of Public Safety explaining how their autonomous vehicles will interact with law enforcement during traffic stops, accidents and emergencies.
“Similar legislation has been passed in 26 other states, and that includes all our border states, except Illinois,” Phelps said. “Facts don’t lie. Autonomous vehicles don’t drive drunk, they don’t drive with road rage, and they don’t drive distracted. This bill is designed to make our roads safer, drive economic development and provide transportation options, specifically for those folks who can’t drive themselves.”
The bill clarifies that an automated driving system is considered the “driver” of the vehicle for purposes of complying with traffic laws.
The legislation also allows on-demand autonomous vehicle networks to operate under the same regulatory framework as taxis and other for-hire passenger transportation services.
Jared Hankinson, vice president of government affairs for the Missouri Chamber, said the introduction of autonomous vehicles into Missouri is an economic development tool.
“Not only are there jobs that are created with the introduction of these vehicles, but it also has a workforce accessibility component, taking into account those folks who might not be able to drive and giving them a reliable option to get them to their workplace,” Hankinson said. “This is also an opportunity for the state to embrace technology and make sure Missouri is operating on a global platform.”
For more information, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
