house joint resolution NO. 10

INTRODUCED BY D. Loge

By Request of the ****

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO ASSESS AND PREPARE FOR THE OPERATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ON MONTANA ROADWAYS; AND REQUIRING THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 68TH LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, some new model vehicles are equipped for semiautonomous operation and fully autonomous vehicles are currently in limited use, but usage is expected to grow; and

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles may have significant effects on road safety, road maintenance, vehicle registration, operator licensing, vehicle repair and modification, and accident liability and security; and

WHEREAS, individual states have been responsible for setting the standards for vehicle registration, operator licensing, and other related traffic laws; and

WHEREAS, state policy and laws to accommodate the growing market for autonomous vehicles should be developed with the involvement of experts and stakeholders from both the private sector and public agencies.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

(1) analyze the legal framework and the statutes involving the use of autonomous vehicles, including platooning, in Montana;

(2) examine federal, state, and local policies that relate to the operation of autonomous vehicles, including model state policy and current and possible federal regulatory tools;

(3) review potential impacts to tax collections and road maintenance in Montana;

(4) analyze liabilities and regulatory changes necessary to address liabilities that could arise by allowing autonomous vehicles on public highways; and

(5) recommend the role of autonomous vehicle technology and infrastructure in contributing to the state's economic and quality of life.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders, including but not limited to the Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice's Motor Vehicle Division, the Montana Highway Patrol, and representatives of the auto and insurance industry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.