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Committee advances update to delivery-robot law, allows up to 20 mph outside sidewalks with local limits
Summary
House Bill 1684 modernizes Tennessee's personal delivery device rules, authorizes devices to operate up to 20 mph outside pedestrian areas, and allows local regulation within constraints; the committee adopted an amendment and approved the bill 18-2 after Q&A about distance, registration, insurance and safety features.
The House Transportation Committee advanced legislation to modernize state rules for low-speed autonomous personal delivery devices.
Chairman Hawk told the committee HB1684 updates a 2020 statute to reflect advances in delivery technology, providing statewide guardrails while authorizing local regulation within certain limits. An amendment (drafting code 12,690) was adopted; the sponsor said the amendment removes language that could be read as giving the device legal "rights" and instead treats devices as regulated tools. The committee discussed operational details, including an authorized maximum speed up to 20 mph outside pedestrian areas, stationing of devices in local service areas, and that devices are generally programmed for single-delivery trips.
Members pressed on safety and liability: one member asked whether a $100,000 general-liability insurance minimum would be sufficient; the sponsor acknowledged it as a concern and invited further discussion. The committee voted to advance the bill; the clerk recorded 18 ayes and 2 noes and the measure was forwarded for the next administrative steps.
