Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the operation of driverless-capable vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and making penalties applicable
Sponsored by the House Transportation Committee
Topics:Transportation
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 21, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 18, 2026
- Stopped: Passes the HouseDied when the General Assembly ended
- 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 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Self-driving vehicles carrying dangerous materials, like certain chemicals or substances, would no longer be allowed to operate without a human driver inside. This rule applies to any vehicle carrying materials that the U.S. government labels as a risk to health or safety. People who break this law could face fines or short jail time.1
Read the official explanation
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. secretary of transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated.482. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than 30 days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.
Why it matters. Companies operating driverless-capable vehicles that transport hazardous materials would be required to have a human driver present in the vehicle. Anyone who violates this requirement would be committing a simple misdemeanor.2
House subcommittee
Named January 21, 2026 (as HSB 598). 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
1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 16, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
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91st General Assembly