Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 280 First Substitute (2016GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Spendlove, R.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/23/2016

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• defines terms;
• requires certain state agencies to study autonomous vehicle technologies and report findings;
• provides authority for agencies to partner autonomous vehicle technology entities; and
• grants rulemaking authority.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE STUDY
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Robert M. Spendlove
Senate Sponsor: 
____________
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill requires a study related to autonomous vehicles.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ defines terms;
▸ requires certain state agencies to study autonomous vehicle technologies and report
findings;
▸ provides authority for agencies to partner autonomous vehicle technology entities;
and
▸ grants rulemaking authority.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
41-26-101
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
41-26-102
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
41-26-101
 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 26. AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
 41-26-101.
Title.
This chapter is known as "Autonomous Vehicles."
Section 2. Section 
41-26-102
 is enacted to read:
 41-26-102.
Autonomous motor vehicle study.
(1) As used in this section, "autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle equipped with
technology that allows the motor vehicle to perform one or more driving functions through
vehicle automation, without the direct control of the driver.
(2) Each agency of the state with regulatory authority impacting autonomous vehicle
technology testing shall facilitate and encourage the responsible testing and operation of
autonomous vehicle technology within the state.
(3) (a) The Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Division of Motor
Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Technology Services shall
study, prepare a report, and make recommendations regarding the best practices for regulation
of autonomous vehicle technology on Utah highways. The study shall include:
(i) evaluation of standards and best practices suggested by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators;
(ii) evaluation of appropriate safety features and standards for autonomous vehicles in
the unique weather and traffic conditions of Utah;
(iii) evaluation of regulatory strategies and schemes implemented by other states to
address autonomous vehicles, including various levels of vehicle automation;
(iv) evaluation of federal standards addressing autonomous vehicles; and
(v) recommendations on how the state should address advances in autonomous vehicle
technology through legislation and regulation.
(b) The Department of Public Safety shall provide a written report and present findings
of the report, including recommendations, to the Transportation Interim Committee, before
December 1, 2016. The Division of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, and the
Department of Technology Services shall be present for the report to the Transportation Interim
Committee.
(4) The Department of Public Safety, the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Department
of Transportation, and the Department of Technology Services may partner and contract with a
person for the purpose of testing autonomous vehicles within the state.
Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel