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Senate committee backs bill to authorize sidewalk delivery robots with city opt-out
Summary
HB1767 creates a state-level framework for 'personal delivery devices' (sidewalk robots), allowing neighborhood operation with limits on street usage, remote supervision and a local opt-out; committee advanced the bill after testimony from an Amazon representative.
Sponsors told the committee HB1767 establishes a regulatory framework for small autonomous delivery devices used in neighborhoods and allows municipalities to opt out. The bill defines permitted operation, limits top speed to about 20 mph in certain circumstances, and restricts use of interstate and controlled-access highways.
Bill Vickrey, representing Amazon through Capital Advisors Group, said the devices are designed to operate on sidewalks and use sensors to yield or stop for pedestrians and to maneuver around sidewalk defects. “The purpose is not to have them in the streets,” Vickrey said, adding the systems are remotely monitored and dispatched from a nearby hub. He described logistics: local staging areas, leased space near neighborhoods and staff to supervise and retrieve devices.
Committee members raised questions about whether the devices could legally operate on municipal or county streets to navigate around sidewalk impediments; Vickrey said limited street travel would be possible only to avoid obstacles, and the design minimizes street use. Senators also discussed pedestrian safety, potential for job changes, and parcel-theft reduction (so-called porch piracy).
After questions were answered, the sponsor asked the committee to pass the bill to encourage innovation and attract technology companies. The motion carried on a voice vote after a second by Senator English. The committee recorded the bill as passed out of committee by voice vote.
