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6 Cosponsor:
John Knotwell
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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This bill requires a study related to autonomous vehicles.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 ▸ defines terms;
14 ▸ requires certain state agencies to study autonomous vehicle technologies and report
15 findings;
16 ▸ provides authority for agencies to partner with autonomous vehicle technology
17 entities; and
18 ▸ grants contracting authority.
19 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
20 None
21 Other Special Clauses:
22 None
23 Utah Code Sections Affected:
24 ENACTS:
25 41-26-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
26 41-26-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
27
28 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29 Section 1. Section 41-26-101 is enacted to read:
30
31 41-26-101. Title.
32 This chapter is known as "Autonomous Vehicles."
33 Section 2. Section 41-26-102 is enacted to read:
34 41-26-102. Autonomous motor vehicle study.
35 (1) As used in this section, "autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle equipped with
36 technology that allows the motor vehicle to perform one or more driving functions through
37 vehicle automation, without the direct control of the driver.
38 (2) Each agency of the state with regulatory authority impacting autonomous vehicle
39 technology testing shall facilitate and encourage the responsible testing and operation of
40 autonomous vehicle technology within the state.
41 (3) (a) The Department of Public Safety, in consultation with other state agencies,
42 including the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation, shall study,
43 prepare a report, and make recommendations regarding the best practices for regulation of
44 autonomous vehicle technology on Utah highways. The study shall include:
45 (i) evaluation of standards and best practices suggested by the National Highway
46 Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators;
47 (ii) evaluation of appropriate safety features and standards for autonomous vehicles in
48 the unique weather and traffic conditions of Utah;
49 (iii) evaluation of regulatory strategies and schemes implemented by other states to
50 address autonomous vehicles, including various levels of vehicle automation;
51 (iv) evaluation of federal standards addressing autonomous vehicles; and
52 (v) recommendations on how the state should address advances in autonomous vehicle
53 technology through legislation and regulation.
54 (b) The Department of Public Safety shall provide a written report and present findings
55 of the report, including recommendations, to the Transportation Interim Committee and the
56 Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee, before December 1, 2016. The Division
57 of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Technology
58 Services shall be present for the report to the Transportation Interim Committee.
59 (4) The Department of Public Safety, the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Department
60 of Transportation, and the Department of Technology Services may partner and contract with a
61 person for the purpose of testing autonomous vehicles within the state.