Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to conventional human drivers physically present in certain driverless-capable vehicles, and making penalties applicable
Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Gosa (D)
Topics:Transportation
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 12, 2026
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
Under current law, a driverless-capable vehicle is authorized to operate on the public highways of Iowa without a conventional human driver physically present in the vehicle if the vehicle meets all of the specified system and safety requirements. This bill requires a conventional human driver to be physically present in a driverless-capable vehicle if the vehicle is operating for commercial purposes and not personal use. Under the bill, a conventional human driver physically present in a vehicle operating in accordance with the bill must have the ability to monitor the driverless-capable vehicle’s operation and, if necessary, intervene by taking over the operation of the vehicle manually, including but not limited to by stopping and shutting off the vehicle.
Read the full explanation
In addition, the bill requires such a conventional human driver to hold a driver’s license and any endorsement that would otherwise be required for the operation of the vehicle, and to comply with all applicable federal and state laws regulating automated and conventional vehicles. Under current law, special driver’s licenses and driver’s license types are required for the operation of different types of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and commercial motor vehicles (CMV). In particular, a person generally must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a CMV. A vehicle is considered a CMV based on the vehicle’s weight, design, and use. While transporting certain passengers or loads, different types of special CDL endorsements are required.8A(4)).
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
House subcommittee
Named February 12, 2026. On February 16, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
9 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 16, 2026 (9) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Creates§321.515A
Amends§321.515
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
3 for · 4 against · 5 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
Tried before
91st General Assembly
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.
Tried before
This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.
- SF 2218 Relating to conventional human drivers physically present in certain driverless-capable ve…90th General Assembly · In committee · same titleCleared committee
Matched by the wording of each bill’s explanation, or an identical title. Companion bills and renumbered versions of this bill aren’t listed; they’re the same bill.