Tech group urges committee to oppose H.1280, warns restrictions would slow autonomous‑vehicle testing

A representative of Chamber of Progress testified before the Joint Committee on Financial Services in opposition to H.1280, saying the bill would impose unnecessary restrictions on testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Massachusetts.

The witness said placing “unnecessary and restrictive rules on where and when autonomous vehicles can be tested risks hindering innovation and delaying the deployment of AVs in Massachusetts.” The speaker cited federal and applied research in arguing AVs can reduce crashes caused by human error and expand mobility for underserved communities.

The witness referenced National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, saying “NHTSA released crash data reporting nearly 43,000 lives were lost in a traffic related fatality in 2022.” The speaker also said roadway fatalities in Massachusetts increased by 7.3 percent between 2023 and 2024, with 368 traffic‑related deaths. The witness presented industry research they said showed autonomous ride‑sharing services in some U.S. cities experienced fewer police‑reported crashes and fewer injury crashes compared with human drivers; the witness also cited analyses projecting job creation and fuel efficiency gains from AV deployment.

The testimony asserted that restrictions in H.1280 could delay AV benefits including fewer crashes, reduced emissions and increased mobility for people with disabilities, and urged the committee to oppose the bill. The transcript does not record a committee vote or formal action on H.1280 during this session.