A pedestrian crosses in front of a vehicle as part of a demonstration at Mcity, used to test driverless and connected vehicles, on the University of MI campus in Ann Arbor, Mich.
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MI would no longer require that someone be inside a self-driving auto while testing it on public roads under bills up for a vote in the Legislature.
The Senate voted almost a year after the legislation won House approval. But he or she would be required to “promptly” take control of its movements if necessary.
Supporters said the human operator requirement is seen as an impediment that could put MI at risk of losing research and development to other states.
The four-bill package, championed by lawmakers as the first of its kind, would allow autonomous vehicles to be driven on roads in the state for any reason, not only while being tested.
Snyder has said driverless vehicle testing and operations are crucial for helping MI keep its economic edge and remain the automotive capital of the world after years of economic hardship for the state’s auto industry.
Kowall introduced the legislation, which also could let companies operate entire fleets of driverless trucks on the road and perhaps allow taxi-cab alternative Lyft Inc. eventually to pick up passengers with self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles developed by General Motors Co. and Lyft. Google, which is opening a self-driving tech development in MI, is partnering with Fiat Chrysler.
“We’re moving into the next century, ladies and gentlemen”, Michigan Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) said in a statement to MLive. “With your assistance, we’re going to secure Michigan’s place.as the center of the universe for autonomous vehicle studies, research, development and manufacturing”.
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MI is now one of seven states and Washington, D.C., that have laws allowing such testing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
