Texas 2021 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3026 Engrossed / Bill

Filed 05/08/2021

                    87R20014 BEE-F
 By: Canales H.B. No. 3026


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the operation and regulation of certain automated motor
 vehicles.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 545.452, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 545.452.  EXCLUSIVE REGULATION OF AUTOMATED MOTOR
 VEHICLES AND AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS [SUBCHAPTER AND DEPARTMENT
 GOVERN EXCLUSIVELY].
 SECTION 2.  Section 545.452(a), Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 (a)  Unless otherwise provided by this subchapter, automated
 motor vehicles, including any commercial use or operation of
 automated motor vehicles, and automated driving systems [the
 following] are governed exclusively by:
 (1)  this subchapter; and
 (2)  Section 547.618 [:
 [(1)  automated motor vehicles, including any
 commercial use or operation of automated motor vehicles; and
 [(2)  automated driving systems].
 SECTION 3.  Subchapter K, Chapter 547, Transportation Code,
 is amended by adding Section 547.618 to read as follows:
 Sec. 547.618.  EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN AUTOMATED
 MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) In this section, "automated motor vehicle" and
 "automated driving system" have the meanings assigned by Section
 545.451.
 (b)  An automated motor vehicle that is designed to be
 operated exclusively by the automated driving system for all trips
 is not subject to motor vehicle equipment laws or regulations of
 this state that:
 (1)  relate to or support motor vehicle operation by a
 human driver; and
 (2)  are not relevant for an automated driving system.
 (c)  If a vehicle safety inspection is required under this
 code for the operation of a vehicle described by Subsection (b), the
 vehicle shall automatically be considered to pass the inspection
 with respect to any equipment:
 (1)  the requirements from which the vehicle is exempt
 under Subsection (b); or
 (2)  the inspection of which is not required under
 Section 548.051.
 SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.