Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Autonomous Delivery topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel modernizes law for personal delivery devices, allows local regulation and up to 20 mph outside pedestrian areas
Summary
The subcommittee attached an amendment and passed House Bill 1684 to update Tennessee's personal delivery device law. The amended bill allows low-speed autonomous delivery devices to operate (up to 20 mph outside pedestrian areas) while preserving local governments' authority to regulate or prohibit devices for public-safety reasons; it passed on a 8-1-1 tally.
House Bill 1684, as amended, updates Tennessee's personal delivery device statute to reflect technological advances since the law was first enacted in 2020. The sponsor told the committee the amendment clarifies where devices may operate, permits devices to travel up to 20 miles per hour outside pedestrian areas, and allows local resolutions or ordinances to regulate or prohibit devices if local governments deem regulation necessary for public safety.
"As amended, the bill expands the type of areas in which a personal delivery device can lawfully operate," the sponsor said. "It authorizes a device to travel up to 20 miles per hour when operated outside of pedestrian areas, allows the regulation of devices by local resolutions or ordinances with certain regulatory restrictions." The sponsor said the amendment reflects discussions with the Tennessee Municipal League and the Department of Safety.
Members raised safety and implementation concerns. Representative McAlmon asked whether municipalities retain the ability to ban devices; the sponsor read language clarifying that local governments may regulate or prohibit personal delivery devices in the interest of public safety. Representative Pearson asked about DoorDash and job impacts, and Vice Chairman Butler said small cities expressed concerns about local control. Members also asked about liability, whether devices could be ticketed for traffic violations, and whether devices would detect and avoid children; the sponsor said programs consider such safety scenarios.
The clerk announced the vote as: Ayes 8, No 1, Present-not-voting 1 (recorded in committee as one no and one present-not-voting); the chair declared the bill passed and it will move to full Transportation.
