In 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SELF DRIVE Act governing autonomous vehicles, but it stalled in the Senate. Last year, lawmakers failed to pass a bill before the December recess.
Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee announced work on a “bipartisan and bicameral basis to develop a self-driving car bill.” They request input from automakers, safety groups, and other stakeholders before August 23. David Shepardson, reporting for Reuters:
“Right now various countries are exploring regulations that will shape the future of autonomous vehicles, and the U.S. risks losing its leadership in this life-saving, life-changing technology, so we urge Congress to move forward now, this year,” spokeswoman [for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers] Gloria Bergquist said.
Since the new bill is being written with input from both chambers, this version stands a better chance of avoiding a breakdown like last year.