HF 2673: Relating to the operation of driverless-capable vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and making penalties applicable

What it does

Under current law, a driverless-capable vehicle equipped with an automated driving system and meeting certain requirements is authorized to operate on highways while performing all real-time operational and tactical functions (dynamic driving task) regardless of whether a conventional human driver is present in the vehicle.519 and all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws. This bill prohibits a driverless-capable vehicle transporting hazardous material from operating without a conventional human driver.

House subcommittee · named January 21, 2026

• Rep. Devon Wood (R) · devon.wood@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. J.D. Scholten (D) · j.d.scholten@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Craig Steven Williams (R) · craig.williams@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 4 against

For: AFSCME Council 61; Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; United Professionals/UE

Against: Alliance For Automotive Innovation; General Motors LLC; Teamsters Local 238; Tesla

In plain words

1. January 21, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Transportation committee · as HSB 598
2. January 21, 2026House subcommittee named: Wood, Scholten and Williams · as HSB 598
3. February 16, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 598
4. February 18, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 598
5. February 18, 2026Committee vote: 20–0 · as HSB 598
6. February 23, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 23, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2673 · as HSB 598