S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
7980
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
May 29, 2019
___________
Introduced by M. of A. RODRIGUEZ -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Transportation
AN ACT establishing the New York task force on automated vehicle tech-
nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expi-
ration thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Legislative findings. The Legislature finds that automated
vehicle technology offers widely anticipated and revolutionary potential
for the transportation sector. Among the unprecedented opportunities
offered by this technology are inclusive mobility options to benefit
disadvantaged, disabled and elderly residents; as congestion and emis-
sions mitigation; improved livable land use, and basic road. Further,
the legislature has amended section 2 of part FF of chapter 55 of the
laws of 2017, relating to motor vehicles equipped with autonomous vehi-
cle technology, as amended by section 2 of part H of chapter 58 of the
laws of 2018, as amended by section 1 of part M of chapter 58 of the
laws of 2019, to allow for a two-year testing program for automobile
manufacturers and technology leaders to test and demonstrate automated
vehicle technology in New York, which will expire and be deemed repealed
April 1, 2021. Consequently, the legislature finds that there is a
pressing need for policymakers to study automated vehicle technology and
formulate comprehensive laws and regulations to ensure the state is
prepared for the safe deployment of automobiles equipped with this tech-
nology and to help prepare the state's role in a future where automated
vehicle technology plays in shaping our roadways, economy, education
system, and society.
To this end, it is in the public interest to establish an automated
vehicle task force that shall study, evaluate and develop recommenda-
tions relating to specific actionable measures that address how auto-
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11841-01-9
A. 7980 2
mated vehicle technology will transform the state's roadways, economy,
education system, and society.
§ 2. Automated vehicle task force. The New York task force on auto-
mated vehicle technology is hereby established to study and assess the
future of automated vehicle technology. For purposes of this act,
"automated vehicle" shall mean a motor vehicle that has the capability
to drive the vehicle without the active control or monitoring of a human
operator. Such task force shall consist of seventeen members with demon-
strated expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force. The
members of the task force shall be appointed as follows:
(a) five members shall be appointed by the governor, such member's
expertise shall encompass, but not be limited to, the topic areas of
transportation, research and development, education, people with disa-
bilities; one of such member shall be the commissioner of the department
of motor vehicles and shall serve as chairperson of the task force; and
one member shall be the commissioner of the department of transportation
and shall serve as vice chair;
(b) two members shall be appointed by the temporary president of the
senate;
(c) two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
(d) one member shall be appointed by the senate minority leader;
(e) one member shall be appointed by the assembly minority leader;
(f) one member shall be appointed by the chancellor of the state
university of New York; such member shall be a member of a research
faculty of an engineering department at a state university of New York
campus;
(g) one member shall be appointed by the commission on independent
colleges and universities from a New York private university research
faculty of an engineering department;
(h) two such appointees shall be representatives of differing original
equipment manufacturers;
(i) one member shall be appointed by the president of AFL-CIO; and
(j) one member shall be appointed by the New York state business coun-
cil.
§ 3. All appointments shall be made no later than the thirtieth day
after the effective date of this section. Vacancies in the membership of
the task force shall be filled in the same manner provided for by the
original appointments. The task force shall organize as soon as practi-
cable following the appointment of its members. The chairperson shall
appoint a secretary who shall not be a member of the task force. The
members of the task force shall receive no compensation for their
services.
§ 4. The task force shall study, evaluate and develop recommendations
relating to specific actionable measures that address how automated
vehicle technology will transform the state's roadways, economy, educa-
tion system and society. The automated vehicle task force shall study
how to support the safe testing, deployment and operation of automated
vehicle technology on public highways. It shall take all of the follow-
ing into consideration: (a) the measures necessary to successfully
implement automated vehicles, including any legislative changes; (b) the
difficulties and liabilities that could arise by allowing automated
vehicles on public highways; (c) how automated vehicle technology can
promote research and development in this state; and (d) any other issue
the committee deems relevant.
§ 5. The task force shall be entitled to request and receive, and
shall utilize such facilities, resources and data of any court, depart-
A. 7980 3
ment, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any
political subdivision thereof as it may reasonably request to properly
carry out its powers and duties.
§ 6. In carrying out its functions, the task force shall hold five
public hearings around the state to foster discussions among, and
conduct formal public hearings with requisite public notice to solicit
input and recommendations from statewide and regional stakeholder inter-
ests.
§ 7. The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to
the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of
the assembly on or before April first, two thousand twenty-one.
§ 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be
deemed repealed 2 years after such date.