Bill: SB 2205, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Transportation
2nd Chamber Committee
House Transportation
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Kelly Hancock
Co-Author(s)
Paul Bettencourt
Royce West
Sponsor(s)
Charlie Geren
Bill Caption
Relating to automated motor vehicles.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 2205 would require the Department of Public Safety to govern the operation of automated motor vehicles and prohibit political subdivisions and state agencies from regulating the operation of such vehicles. This bill would also clarify the application of laws by considering the owner of an automated motor vehicle to be its operator for the purposes of enforcing traffic laws, regardless of whether the owner is present in the vehicle during operation.
This bill would prohibit the operation of an automated motor vehicle on public highways unless the vehicle is registered and titled under existing law; the driving system is capable of following state and federal laws; the vehicle is equipped with a recording device system; and the vehicle is covered by liability coverage or appropriate self-insurance. SB 2205 would also stipulate that the vehicle and the operator must comply with existing law related to accident and accident reports.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility by clarifying the legal code regarding automated motor vehicles, prohibiting local regulation, and establishing that such vehicles are to have traffic laws applied consistently with standard motor vehicles, except for a few reasonable special requirements. For these reasons, we support SB 2205.
Organizations Supporting
AT&T Texas
City of Arlington
Organizations Opposed
AT&T Texas
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texas Watch