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Minutes for SB379 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Providing for the use and regulation of autonomous motor vehicles.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 1, 2022
The Chair opened the hearing on SB 379 and commented that proponent testimony would be heard today and opposing testimony would be heard the following day.
Assistant Revisor Adam Siebers briefed the Committee on the bill (Attachment 1). He explained that the bill regulates the use of autonomous motor vehicles by prohibiting any local units of government from enacting regulations on such vehicles and stipulates the parameters and functioning faculty for an autonomous vehicle: e.g., operating only within the "middle mile" (business to business), complying with all traffic regulations. The owner of the vehicle is considered the operator of the vehicle, and any remote operator must possess a valid driver's license. Responding to a question, Mr. Siebers replied that the bill does not set any maximum weight for a vehicle, only a minimum weight: vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
Mike O'Neal, representing Wal-Mart, spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 2). Commenting that 44 other states have enacted legislation regulating autonomous vehicles and citing the shortage of delivery drivers and supply-chain issues, he stated that the timing was right for the introduction of driverless vehicles. Noting the previous extensive conversations stakeholders, he called the bill a measured approach that deals only with the middle mile; it excludes long-haul interstate vehicles and business-to-consumer delivery using vehicles with no weight greater than 26,000 lbs. and transporting goods only over established routes.
Richard Steiner, Head of Policy for Gatik, provided proponent testimony via Web-Ex (Attachment 3) and (Attachment 4). He noted that Gatik has been operating autonomous vehicles in Arkansas and Louisiana and is a leader in middle-mile technology, a fact supported by their 100% safety record for every operational site. He outlined the company's partnership with Wal-Mart and cited how the company has worked with other states to create an effective regulatory environment, which he labeled a "structured autonomy" approach over fixed routes.
Chief Engineer Apeksha Kumavat, via Web-Ex traced the technological advances that enable Gatik vehicles to navigate even complex urban and suburban situations; using multiple sensors and diagnostic/recovery technology combined with remote human assist, Gatik is able to achieve Level Four automation and maintain safety on its own.
Members posed many questions, which were answered appropriately by Mr. O'Neal, Mr. Steiner, or Ms. Kumavat:
- The Gatik system uses GPS for navigation, but it is not limited to satellite information to be effective.
- The 100% safety record is based on monthly incident reports to appropriate authorities.
- Gatik meets all insurance requirements for a motor vehicle. For any traffic infraction, the company is considered the owner of the vehicle.
- Other states have more complex provisions; this bill is drawn more narrowly.
- Gatik plans to have the supervisor for the autonomous vehicles reside in Kansas; however, that is not required by the bill.
- In cases of inclement weather or other factors that would obscure vision, the sensors are designed to identify and report problems that would render them less effective. This safety response has shown itself reliable especially in Canada's winter weather.
Members requested additional information: a map to show proposed routes to and from for the middle mile, where autonomous vehicles are manufactured, and what kinds of speed limits will be established.
Written-only testimony in support of the bill was provided by:
- Eric Stafford, Vice-President of Government Affairs, Kansas Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 5), and
- Jason Watkins, Wichita Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 6).
The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 a.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
