85R12461 BEE-D By: Hancock S.B. No. 2205 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the research and testing of motor vehicles with automated driving systems on highways in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 545.428 to read as follows: Sec. 545.428. RESEARCH AND TESTING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS. (a) In this section, "automated driving system" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that, when engaged, has the capability to operate the vehicle without the need for supervision or control by a human operator, whether or not a human operator is in the vehicle. (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on which an automated driving system is engaged on a highway in this state unless: (1) the person: (A) is the owner of the vehicle; and (B) provides notice to the department, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that includes: (i) the date that research or testing will begin; (ii) the general geographic location where research and testing will occur; (iii) the vehicle's registration and information, including license plate information; and (iv) evidence that the owner of the vehicle has obtained an instrument of insurance, surety bond, or proof of self-insurance in the amount of at least $10 million; and (2) the vehicle: (A) is operated only for the purpose of research or testing; (B) complies with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards; (C) displays a sign on the rear of the vehicle that states: (i) "THIS IS A TEST AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE"; and (ii) the name of the owner of the vehicle; and (D) is not operated with any occupants other than human operators in the vehicle. (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(2)(D), a person may operate a vehicle on which an automated driving system is engaged: (1) with a human operator and passengers in the vehicle if the person is satisfied that the person has collected sufficient data regarding the safe operation of the systems; and (2) without a human operator in the vehicle if the person has certified to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the technology is capable of safe operation without a human operator in the vehicle. (d) For the duration of the research and testing of a motor vehicle on which an automated driving system is engaged, the person operating the vehicle shall: (1) maintain records related to the safety and efficacy of the vehicle; and (2) provide periodic summaries of the records to: (A) the Texas Department of Transportation; and (B) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (e) A person who operates a motor vehicle on which an automated driving system is installed is not liable for damage that arises from any modification made without the consent of the operator to: (1) the vehicle; or (2) the automated driving system. (f) A political subdivision of this state may not impose a fee, registration, franchise, or regulation on: (1) a motor vehicle on which an automated driving system is installed; or (2) the operator of a motor vehicle on which an automated driving system is installed. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.