Teamsters Praise Launch of AV Data Transparency Bill AB 3061

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Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced Bill 3061 in California requiring Autonomous Vehicle companies to publicly report incidents involving their vehicles to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the third part of the CARS package that the Teamsters are advocating for, alongside the need for local approvals prior to starting operations and a human operator for self-driving trucks over 10,000 pounds. This bill aims to shed light on incidents caused by autonomous vehicles on Californian roads and to ensure public safety through transparency and accountability of AV companies.

California's Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Pushes for Increased Safety on Streets

The Teamsters laud Assemblymember Matt Haney (AD-17) for proposing Assembly Bill 3061 (AB 3061), a bill necessitating Autonomous Vehicle (AV) firms in California to publicize any vehicle mishaps, traffic infractions, assaults, or harassment involving their vehicles to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

“AB 3061 is about insisting on accountability from AV companies and our regulators, rejecting political interference and prioritizing public safety,” asserted Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President. “Transparency in AV data is a straightforward and critical measure for applying a uniform standard to AV companies. It's time California enacts AB 3061.”

AB 3061 is the third component of the CARS package that the Teamsters are pushing for in Sacramento. The other bills include Senate Bill 915, requiring AV companies to secure local approvals before starting operations, and Assembly Bill 2286, necessitating a trained human operator for self-driving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Despite some robotaxis causing accidents, hindering first responders and triggering traffic disruptions, state agencies have avoided implementing significant AV safety measures. Recently, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) green-lighted the expansion of Waymo robotaxis in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“The Teamsters commend Assemblymember Haney for proposing legislation that will enhance safety on California roads,” said Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President. “Cruise and Waymo, two of the largest AV companies, recently had to recall their software in California due to safety incidents. This technology isn't ready for widespread use, and we cannot rely on AV companies to be truthful about the safety or capability of their products. We need accountability, and AB 3061 is the first step.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million hardworking people throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org, follow us on Twitter @Teamsters or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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