HB2687.DOC

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that autonomous motor vehicles will be the transportation of choice in the future, and that this technology offers a viable solution to alleviate the twin issues of traffic congestion and traffic safety. It is high time that the modern and obvious alternative offered by autonomous or "driverless" motor vehicles should be officially recognized and cleared for research and testing under the auspices of Hawaii's department of transportation. Failure to do so could result in our state being overwhelmed and unable to cope with an influx of these vehicles once they are available to consumers on the mass market.

The legislature further finds that the federal government and a number of other states have already committed to further exploring this promising technology. In January 2016, the United States Department of Transportation announced a new policy that updates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2013 preliminary policy statement on autonomous vehicles, in order to facilitate and encourage the development and use of safety technologies that support these vehicles. At the state level, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, and Tennessee have enacted state legislation to pave the way for autonomous vehicles.

The legislature further finds that in just the past few years, a number of automobile manufacturers and technology companies have made significant progress in the development and testing of autonomous motor vehicles. While Google is the best-known of the companies pursuing autonomous vehicles, having logged over one million miles in its specialized driverless cars without a steering wheel, conventional automobile makers such as Tesla, Volvo, and Mercedes are each exploring self-steering options in conventional vehicles, and have conducted autonomous vehicle testing worldwide. In addition to vehicle manufacturers, parts manufacturers are also preparing to support this emerging technology. The looming importance of autonomous vehicles is evidenced by the fact that members of the World Economic Forum's automotive committee met in January 2016 to discuss potential government regulation of autonomous vehicles as one of the most pressing issues facing the automotive industry.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to establish an autonomous vehicle research and testing program, to facilitate the research and development of autonomous vehicles and prepare state and county government for their eventual use on our roadways.

SECTION 2. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part . AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

§286-A Authorization. The director shall authorize, no later than January 1, 2017, the development of an autonomous vehicle research and testing program, to be administered by the department of transportation.

§286-B Application and approval process. The department shall establish, no later than January 1, 2018, an application and approval process by which autonomous vehicle manufacturers and other interested parties may seek to test conduct research and testing of autonomous vehicles in the State. Prior to granting any approval for research or testing, the department shall require, at a minimum, satisfactory evidence of the following:

(a) The applicant's safety record;

(b) The applicant's insured or bonded status;

(d) The ease with which the autonomous vehicle's operator can activate and deactivate the autonomous technology.

§286-C Fees. The department may assess any fees necessary to cover the costs of application processing and program administration.

§286-D Rules. The department shall adopt rules under chapter 91 to implement this part.

§286-E Penalties. The department shall establish administrative penalties for noncompliance with the requirements of this part or with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91.

§286-F Reports to the legislature. (a) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, and beginning with the regular session of 2017, the director shall submit a report to the legislature that addresses the following:

(1) The feasibility and safety implications of authorizing

the operation of autonomous vehicles beyond the research and testing phase;

(2) The adoption or amendment of relevant administrative rules issued pursuant to this part;

(3) Any additional legislative action that may be required for the safe research, testing, and operation of autonomous vehicles; and

(4) Detailed information on the autonomous vehicle manufacturers and other interested parties who submitted applications pursuant to section 286-B during the preceding twelve-month period."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the establishment of the autonomous vehicle testing program and any associated costs.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

INTRODUCED BY:

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2687
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII