The Texas Senate is driving forward with new legislative measures concerning autonomous vehicles, aiming to fill the regulatory potholes that currently exist. State Sen. Robert Nichols voiced “The state needs to be in a position to step in and have a set of rules,” during discussions about the future of driverless vehicles on Texas streets as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Legislation expected in the upcoming session could require companies like Waymo and Cruise to directly notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles when they intend to let their vehicles operate solo.

In a state that finds itself increasingly the hub for autonomous vehicle industries—especially in trucking with major brands cementing commercial partnerships as mentioned by Ariel Wolf, general counsel for the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association in an interview with FOX 7 Austin—lawmakers are striving for a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety. Current regulations, shaped by federal guidelines around technology and safety, do not mandate the reporting of non-collision incidents, a loophole that Nichols asserts must be closed.

This push for better oversight comes on the heels of instances where autonomous vehicles have caused gridlock and safety concerns, as was witnessed in Austin and Houston. The proposed regulations would be limited to fleets of driverless cars and trucks, not privately owned ones, which as the Houston Chronicle states, is a critical distinction for the industry.

Under the spotlight of a Senate transportation hearing, questions were raised about how first responders should approach issues involving autonomous vehicles. Texas State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt articulated these areas of concern, "To many of our first responders communities, this is new territory for them. They are not quite sure how to handle an AV. I mean pulling over an autonomous vehicle, you know, what do you do? An autonomous vehicle in an accident, what do you do?" as reported by FOX 7 Austin. Wolves also highlighted the need for a first responder interaction plan, recognizing that road-sharing between human drivers and AVs presents a fresh set of challenges.

Since the passage of Senate Bill 2205 in 2017, Texas has played a willing host to this automotive revolution. However, as Waymo and Uber plan to embark on a partnership introducing more autonomous vehicles to Austin's roadways, the state's legislative gears are shifting to ensure that all operators.