Tennessee House updates rules for autonomous delivery devices, authorizing limited use with local public-safety controls

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House voted to approve Senate Bill 16-25 (substituted for HB 16-84), a measure to modernize the state’s personal delivery device law and set statewide parameters for low-speed autonomous delivery devices.

Sponsor Chairman Hawke said the bill would update statutes enacted in 2020 to reflect technology advances and provide clear statewide rules while allowing local government regulation. The measure authorizes these devices to operate at speeds up to 20 miles per hour when outside pedestrian areas and clarifies they do not possess legal personhood.

Several members raised safety concerns on the floor. Chairman Clements and other members described traffic configurations in their districts where sidewalks, bike lanes and parked cars create narrow rights-of-way. "What is gonna happen when a bicyclist is going down the bike lane... Who's giving way and where is that delivery device going?" Chairman Clements asked. Sponsor and committee members said the amendment ensures local governments retain authority to prohibit or regulate the devices where necessary for public safety and that the devices are programmed with pedestrian detection and obstacle avoidance.

Representative Pearson and other members expressed concern about job displacement and the impact on gig-economy workers if autonomous devices replace delivery jobs. The sponsor responded that the devices are designed for short, neighborhood trips and emphasized safeguards and local control.

The House adopted the substitute and passed the bill on final consideration; the Clerk recorded the final vote as Aye 80, No 11 as announced on the floor. Supporters said the law would help merchants by allowing new short-distance delivery options while preserving municipal authority to address local safety issues.