Assembly Committee Passes AV Safety Bills Backed by Teamsters
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- The California Assembly Transportation Committee passed Teamsters-supported bills AB 2286 and AB 3061, regulating autonomous vehicles.
- AB 2286 requires a trained human operator in self-driving trucks over 10,000 pounds; AB 3061 requires AV companies to publicly report incidents involving their vehicles.
- These bills aim to protect good jobs and public safety, as autonomous vehicles have triggered safety concerns among Californians.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Pass AV Legislation for Public Safety and Job Protection
The California Assembly Transportation Committee has approved two Teamsters-supported bills for regulating autonomous vehicles (AVs), Assembly Bill 2286 (AB 2286) and Assembly Bill 3061 (AB 3061), as part of the CARS legislative package. These bills aim to protect jobs and public safety amidst the rise of AV operations.
Teamsters International Vice President At-Large and President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, Chris Griswold, expressed his praise for the leaders who supported these bills. He emphasized the need for accountability from AV companies and for human drivers to remain behind the wheel of AVs.
AB 2286 requires a trained human operator for self-driving trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds, preserving numerous trucking jobs and ensuring safer roads. Previously known as AB 316, the bill received significant bipartisan support, with over 90% of California lawmakers favoring the legislation.
Meanwhile, AB 3061 mandates AV companies to disclose any incidents involving their vehicles to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The move serves to increase transparency and accountability, particularly as AV-associated incidents often go unreported.
As self-driving trucks are becoming more common, there have been reports of robotaxis causing accidents and safety concerns. A recent report showed that over 91% of drivers feel unsafe on roads with AVs.
Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Director of the Teamsters Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division, stressed that Big Tech and AV companies need to prioritize public safety and workers' interests over profits.
Another bill, Senate Bill 915, is set for a hearing in the California Senate Committee on Local Government, where a vote is expected to follow.
For more information about Teamsters, a union representing 1.3 million people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated by following us on Twitter @Teamsters and liking our Facebook page at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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