Two AV Safety Bills in California: A Crucial Step for Trucking Jobs and Public Safety

In a significant move for the trucking industry and public safety, two autonomous vehicle (AV) safety bills have garnered overwhelming support in the California Assembly. These bills, Assembly Bill 2286 (AB 2286) and Assembly Bill 3061 (AB 3061), are part of the California Automotive Regulatory Standards (CARS) Package and are now awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. The legislation aims to ensure that human operators remain behind the wheel of self-driving trucks and to enhance accountability for AV companies regarding roadway incidents.

The Legislative Journey

On August 29, the California Assembly passed both bills with remarkable bipartisan support, reflecting a unified commitment to safeguarding jobs and ensuring public safety. AB 2286 received a vote of 31-3, while AB 3061 passed with a vote of 30-7. The strong backing from legislators on both sides of the aisle underscores the importance of these measures in protecting the livelihoods of thousands of truck drivers and maintaining safe streets across California.

Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President, emphasized the significance of these bills, stating, “The human operator bill passed with over 90 percent support among elected officials on both sides of the aisle. The CARS Package is critical to protecting thousands of good trucking jobs that Californians rely on and to keeping our streets secure.”

Key Provisions of the Bills

Assembly Bill 2286

Originally introduced by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-4), AB 2286 mandates that a trained human operator must be present in self-driving trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds. This provision is crucial for preserving hundreds of thousands of good-paying union jobs in the trucking sector. By ensuring that human oversight is a requirement for larger autonomous vehicles, the bill aims to enhance safety on California roads and protect the workforce from potential job losses due to automation.

Assembly Bill 3061

Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-17), AB 3061 focuses on transparency and accountability within the AV industry. The bill requires AV companies to publicly report any incidents involving their vehicles, including collisions, traffic violations, and disengagements, to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This legislation is particularly important given the lack of transparency from AV companies regarding major incidents on California roads. By mandating these reports, the bill seeks to hold AV companies accountable for their operations and ensure that public safety is prioritized.

The Need for Regulation

The push for these safety bills comes amid rising concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles on California roads. Recent incidents, including robotaxis nearly colliding with school crossing guards in San Francisco, have highlighted the urgent need for regulatory measures. Critics argue that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the DMV have allowed the rapid expansion of driverless vehicles without adequate oversight, leading to dangerous situations for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, articulated the need for regulation, stating, “Whether we’re talking about robotaxi companies like Waymo and Cruise or trucking companies like Aurora, it’s clear we cannot trust these profit-hungry businesses to prioritize safety and good jobs.” The passage of AB 2286 and AB 3061 represents a critical step toward ensuring that safety and accountability are at the forefront of the AV industry.

A Call to Action

As the bills head to Governor Newsom’s desk, the Teamsters Union is urging the governor to sign them into law. Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of working-class Californians over the interests of venture capitalists. “Gov. Newsom needs to do right by the people who are responsible for his professional success. Those people are working-class Californians who voted for him—not venture capitalists,” she stated.

Conclusion

The passage of AB 2286 and AB 3061 marks a pivotal moment for the future of autonomous vehicles in California. By ensuring that human operators remain integral to the operation of larger self-driving trucks and enhancing transparency within the AV industry, these bills aim to protect good trucking jobs and keep California streets safe. As the state moves forward with the implementation of these regulations, the focus remains on balancing technological advancement with the safety and well-being of its residents. The Teamsters Union stands firmly behind these measures, advocating for a future where both jobs and public safety are prioritized in the face of rapid technological change.

For more information about the Teamsters Union and their ongoing efforts, visit Teamster.org and follow them on social media.