The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently testified in favor of legislation that would create a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads in Missouri.
HB 2069, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps (R-Warrensburg), and HB 2208, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker), were heard before the House Emerging Issues Committee.
The legislation would require the operator to submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Missouri Department of Public Safety detailing how the vehicle will communicate and respond during traffic stops, crashes or emergencies.
“This bill provides a real opportunity to improve the quality of life for our constituents, drive economic development in the state and increase public safety on our roads,” Phelps said.
The bills clarify that an automated driving system is considered the “driver” of the vehicle for purposes of complying with traffic laws.
“This is the first step in a long journey toward autonomous vehicles coming to Missouri,” Mayhew said. “In order to encourage that technology that’s coming our direction, we need to get some legislation to allow for it.”
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.
Lori Becker, CEO of Starkloff Disability Institute, encouraged lawmakers to bring autonomous vehicles to Missouri as soon as possible, saying transportation is the biggest barrier for people with disabilities from entering the workforce.
“There is a study by the National Disability Institute that has shown that if autonomous vehicles come to Missouri, it will generate 171,000 jobs,” Becker said.
Jared Hankinson, vice president of government affairs for the Missouri Chamber, said the bills will promote innovation.
“This is a signal to the entire nation, to businesses that are pioneering innovative technologies, that Missouri wants to be a place where those businesses have an opportunity to thrive,” Hankinson said.
Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) has filed similar legislation in the Senate, SB 1050.
For more information, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
