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House OKs bill to expand real-world testing and clarify rules for autonomous vehicles
Summary
Lawmakers approved a bill to establish a Utah framework for autonomous-vehicle testing and implementation, redefining "operator" to include automated systems, requiring crash reporting and insurance, and encouraging testing in Utah's varied conditions; the measure passed 70 to 0.
The Utah House on Feb. 20 approved the first substitute for House Bill 101, a package of provisions aimed at enabling and regulating testing and early implementation of autonomous-vehicle technology in the state.
Sponsor Representative Spendlove said the bill establishes a baseline for testing by redefining an "operator" to include an automated driving system, requiring reporting when an automated system is involved in a crash, and specifying licensing and insurance requirements. "This bill . . . redefines in code what an operator of a vehicle is," Spendlove said, adding that the legislation will let testing occur in Utah's distinctive terrain and weather conditions.
Several members questioned how automated systems will handle adverse weather and how liability will be addressed. Representative Dunnegan cited technical limitations and asked whether autonomous systems can operate safely in heavy snow; Spendlove said the bill is intended to enable more rigorous, real-world testing in Utah and that stakeholders will continue to work on liability and insurance questions.
The sponsor framed the measure as a starting framework rather than a final regulatory regime, saying state agencies and industry participants will remain engaged to refine rules as technology evolves. The House approved the measure by voice vote, recorded as 70 yea, 0 nay. The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
