Texas House Bill HB119

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to liability for and reporting of accidents involving certain motor vehicles.

Impact

The impact of HB 119 extends to state laws concerning the responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers and the reporting protocols for vehicle accidents. By delineating the conditions under which manufacturers are exempt from liability, the bill potentially affects consumer rights, safety regulations, and the dynamics of litigation related to automated vehicle incidents. Furthermore, the bill mandates updates to the accident report forms to include specific fields for documenting automated vehicles' involvement in accidents and the status of modifications, thereby enhancing transparency in accident reporting involving high-tech vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 119 addresses liability concerns for manufacturers of automated motor vehicles when modifications are made by individuals not authorized by the manufacturer. Specifically, the bill stipulates that if a vehicle's modifications are the direct cause of an accident or interfere with its normal operation, the manufacturer cannot be held liable for damages resulting from that accident. This provision aims to clarify the legal responsibilities of manufacturers in cases where vehicles have been altered after sale, and is intended to encourage innovation and the adoption of automated vehicle technologies by reducing liability risks for manufacturers.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the balance between encouraging technological advancement in vehicle automation and ensuring consumer protection. Proponents of the bill argue that it helps foster innovation by minimizing liability for manufacturers when their products are tampered with post-sale. Conversely, critics may express concerns about the reduced accountability of manufacturers and the implications for vehicle safety, as consumers could be left unprotected if manufacturers are not held responsible in cases of negligence. These discussions could lead to further legislative scrutiny and debate regarding the appropriate levels of liability in the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicle automation.