Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Autonomous Vehicles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee OKs amendment to require notification for autonomous-vehicle routes near rail crossings
Summary
Members adopted an amendment that became House Bill 18‑22, creating a notification program to ARDOT when autonomous vehicles will operate on identified routes near railroad crossings; sponsors and railroad and auto-industry representatives supported the negotiated language.
The Senate committee adopted an amendment that replaced House Bill 18‑22 and then passed the bill as amended, establishing a notification program to the state highway department for autonomous‑vehicle operations in and around railroad crossings.
Sponsor commentary described the amendment as the operative bill: it extracts prior text and replaces it with negotiated language meant to ensure autonomous vehicles operate safely near rail lines. The sponsor said the program is intended for traveled or typical routes and "is not gonna be every time" the vehicle operates.
Representative Christiansen said the committee adopted language from the auto industry alliance and that parties including BNSF had agreed to the text. He noted the amendment preserved an emergency clause for the highway department and railroads and "took the language that was absolutely desired by all parties."
Committee members asked whether the notification would be per trip or for routes; sponsors and representatives said it would be for planned routes overseen by the Arkansas Department of Transportation and not a per‑operation requirement. Industry and railroad representatives were present to answer technical and safety questions.
The committee adopted the amendment and passed House Bill 18‑22 as amended by voice vote. The bill will move forward from committee.
