Texas House Bill HB933

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the testing of autonomous motor vehicles; creating a border security pilot program.

Impact

HB 933 introduces crucial amendments that could reshape the operational regulations surrounding autonomous vehicles within Texas. The implications of the bill extend to how individuals are authorized to operate such vehicles. A specific designator will be established on driver’s licenses for individuals permitted to operate autonomous vehicles, which could ultimately streamline the regulatory process and improve public safety measures. Moreover, by enabling autonomous vehicles to operate without continuous monitoring, the bill reflects an acknowledgment of technological advancements and their integration into everyday transportation, while still ensuring a licensed individual maintains oversight.

Summary

House Bill 933 pertains to the testing of autonomous motor vehicles and establishes a pilot program for border security. The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Transportation Code, primarily focusing on the legal liabilities associated with the conversion of conventional motor vehicles into autonomous vehicles. It specifies that manufacturers will not be held liable for damages incurred if the modifications to create the autonomous vehicle were made by someone other than the manufacturer, thus providing a form of protection for them in the event of an accident or vehicle malfunction. This change aims to encourage more manufacturers to innovate in the realm of autonomous technologies, potentially accelerating their deployment on public roadways.

Contention

There are underlying points of contention regarding the liability clauses of the legislation. Critics may argue that absolving manufacturers of responsibility for non-manufactured modifications could lead to overlooked safety concerns, potentially endangering public safety if poorly installed or unsafe modifications are implemented. Advocates, however, claim that these protections are necessary to foster innovation and reduce roadblocks in the development of autonomous technologies. The inclusion of a border security pilot program also raises discussions about the potential misuse or overextension of tracking and monitoring technologies in the context of legal and civil liberties.