Bill Text: NH SB216 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended


Bill Title: Establishing an autonomous vehicle advisory commission, establishing an autonomous vehicle testing pilot program, and providing requirements for automated vehicle deployment.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-2)

Status: (Passed) 2019-08-05 - III. Remainder Effective 08/02/2019 [SB216 Detail]

Download: New_Hampshire-2019-SB216-Amended.html

SB 216-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

 

03/14/2019   0827s

2May2019... 1604h

2019 SESSION

19-0861

11/03

 

SENATE BILL 216-FN

 

AN ACT establishing an autonomous vehicle advisory commission, establishing an autonomous vehicle testing pilot program, and providing requirements for automated vehicle deployment.

 

SPONSORS: Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Hennessey, Dist 5; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21; Sen. Cavanaugh, Dist 16; Sen. Giuda, Dist 2; Rep. Conley, Straf. 13; Rep. Somssich, Rock. 27

 

COMMITTEE: Transportation

 

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AMENDED ANALYSIS

 

This bill establishes an autonomous vehicle advisory commission and an automated vehicle testing pilot program.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03/14/2019   0827s

2May2019... 1604h 19-0861

11/03

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nineteen

 

AN ACT establishing an autonomous vehicle advisory commission, establishing an autonomous vehicle testing pilot program, and providing requirements for automated vehicle deployment.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  New Paragraph; New Hampshire Transportation Council; Duties.  Amend RSA 238-A:3 by inserting after paragraph III the following new paragraph:

IV.  Solicit input from representatives of:

(a)  Disability communities.

(b)  Elder communities.

(c)  The trucking industry.

(d)  Attorneys with expertise in transportation liability.

2  New Subparagraphs; New Hampshire Transportation Council; Membership.  Amend RSA 238-A:4, I by inserting after subparagraph (i) the following new subparagraphs:

(j)  The director of the office of strategic initiatives, or designee.

(k)  The commissioner of the department of insurance, or designee.

3  New Chapter; Autonomous Vehicle Advisory Commission.  Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 240 the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 241

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ADVISORY COMMISSION

241:1  Commission Established.  There is established a commission to study autonomous vehicles.

241:2  Membership and Compensation.

I.  The members of the commission shall be as follows:

(a)  The commissioner of the department of safety, or designee.

(b)  The commissioner of the department of transportation, or designee.

(c)  The commissioner of the department of information technology, or designee.

(d)  The director of the department of safety, division of motor vehicles, or designee.

(e)  The director of the department of safety, division of fire standards and training and emergency medical services, or designee.

(f)  Two members of the house of representatives, including one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(g)  One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

II.  Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.

241:3  Duties.  The commission shall:

I.  Advise relevant state agencies and the general court on autonomous vehicle administration.

II.  Develop training curriculum for law enforcement and first responders.

III.  Review National Transportation Safety Board reports on automated vehicle incidents and action recommendations.

IV.  Propose modifications to the automated vehicle testing and development pilot program established in RSA 242 when necessary.

V.  Maintain up-to-date information on automated vehicle technology, statutes, and regulations, and exchange information regarding unique challenges posed by roads in New Hampshire through interaction with the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.

241:4  Chairperson; Quorum.  The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members.  The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the commissioner of the department of safety.  The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 30 days of the effective date of this section.  The commission shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish its goals, provided that at least 3 meetings per year shall be open to the public.  Meetings may be held by conference call.  Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

241:5  Report.  The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, the state library, and the New Hampshire transportation council on or before November 1 of each year and annually thereafter.  The commission shall also provide a report to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the governor as needed when it receives information from any source that a review the autonomous vehicle testing and development pilot program, statutes, or rules is warranted.

4  New Chapter; Automated Vehicle Testing and Deployment Pilot Program.  Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 241 the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 242

AUTOMATED VEHICLE TESTING AND DEPLOYMENT PILOT PROGRAM

242:1  Automated Vehicle Testing Pilot Program and Deployment Requirements.

I.  The department of safety, division of motor vehicles, shall establish a pilot program to test automated vehicle technologies on public roads within the state.  The pilot program shall commence 90 days following the effective date of this section.

II.  The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a)  "Automated driving system" means the hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing all aspects of the dynamic driving task within its operational design domain, if any, including achieving a minimal risk condition, without any intervention or supervision by a conventional human driver.

(b)  "ADS-equipped vehicle" means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system.

(c)  "Conventional human driver" means a natural person who manually engages in-vehicle braking, accelerating, steering, and transmission gear selection input devices in order to operate a vehicle.

(d)  "Driverless capable vehicle" means a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system capable of performing all aspects of the dynamic driving task within its operational design domain, if any, including achieving a minimal risk condition, without any intervention or supervision by a conventional human driver.

(e)  "Driverless operation" means a mode of ADS-equipped vehicle operation in which either no on-board user is present, or in which on-board users who are present are not conventional human drivers.

(f)  "Dynamic driving task" means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic within its specific operational design domain, if any, excluding the strategic functions such as trip scheduling and selection of destinations and waypoints.

(g)  "Minimal risk condition" means a reasonably safe state to which an automated driving system brings an ADS-equipped vehicle upon experiencing a performance-relevant failure of the vehicle's automated driving system that renders the automated driving system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task, such as bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and activating the hazard lamps.

(h)  "On-demand driverless capable vehicle network" means a transportation service network that uses a software application or other digital means to dispatch driverless capable vehicles for purposes of transporting persons or goods, including for-hire transportation, transportation for compensation, and public transportation.

(i)  "Operational design domain" means a description of the specific operating domain in which an automated driving system is designed to properly operate, including but not limited to roadway types, speed range, environmental conditions such as weather or time of day, and other domain constraints.

(j)  "Test driver" means a trained employee, contractor, or other person who is acting as an agent of the testing entity while operating the testing entity's ADS-equipped vehicles that are part of the automated vehicle testing pilot program.

(k)  "Testing entity" means an individual, company, college or university, nonprofit, or other organization involved with the design or testing of automated vehicle technologies.

III.(a)  A testing entity may test ADS-equipped vehicles on public roadways of this state only if the testing entity has been approved for testing by the department after submitting the information required pursuant to this section.

(b)  A testing entity seeking to test ADS-equipped vehicles in this state shall provide notice to the department, upon forms furnished by the department for that purpose, of its intent to participate in the automated vehicle testing pilot program.  Such forms shall be accompanied by the following information:

(1)  The name and business address of the testing entity intending to test ADS-equipped vehicles on state roadways.

(2)  The name, phone number, email address, and physical address in state, if present, of lead staff contact for the testing entity with oversight of the testing project.

(3)  Identification information about the vehicles to be used in testing, including the make, model, and license plate numbers.

(4)  A description of the operating design domain in which the ADS-equipped vehicle has been designed to operate, including limitations on the types of roadways, weather, time of day, or geographic locations, if any.

(5)  The geographic areas within the state in which the entity plans to test ADS-equipped vehicles.

(6)  A copy of the testing entity's Voluntary Safety Self-Assessment as defined by the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Automated Vehicles Policy or a detailed summary of the types of safety training given to test drivers, including copies of any documentation or illustration provided.

(7)  Proof of the testing entity's financial ability to satisfy judgment for damages for personal injury or property damage of at least $5 million, which may be in the form of an issued insurance policy, a bond, or other financial instrument.

(8)  Acknowledgment, via official form furnished by the department, that:

(A)  The ADS-equipped vehicle is in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations, or has an exemption under federal law.

(B)  The ADS-equipped vehicle is designed to comply with all traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state that govern the performance of the dynamic driving task, unless an exemption has been granted by the department.

(C)  The automated driving system has been tested in controlled conditions and has demonstrated functionality ready to test on public roads.

(D)  The ADS-equipped vehicle shall only be operated or monitored by trained employees, or other authorized persons as agents of the testing entity who have received instruction on the safe operation of vehicle systems.

(E)  The ADS-equipped vehicle test driver holds a valid driver's license that is recognized by the state as affording the individual the privilege of legally operating a motor vehicle on state roadways.

IV.  Upon receipt of the information detailed in paragraph III, the department shall:

(a)  Review the materials as submitted and, if necessary, request in writing any further information needed to support the application.  A testing entity shall not be required to release information that may be proprietary or confidential business information.  If the department requests further information, the petitioner shall submit such information or provide a satisfactory explanation of any omission from the materials within 15 business days of the request.  Within 15 business days of receipt of the additional information, the department shall review and respond, either with an additional request for information or with the acknowledgment that all questions have been satisfactorily answered.

(b)  Collect an annual fee of $500 from each testing entity participating in the automated vehicle testing pilot program.

V.  A testing entity in the automated vehicle testing pilot program may operate an ADS-equipped vehicle without a test driver or conventional human driver in the vehicle, provided that:

(a)  A testing entity that wishes to test an ADS-equipped vehicle without a test driver or conventional human driver in the vehicle shall first provide notice to the department of its intention to proceed with such testing.  Such notice shall include:

(1)  An acknowledgment by the testing entity that the ADS-equipped vehicles in the automated vehicle testing pilot program are capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if a malfunction of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task within its intended operational design domain, if any.

(2)  A copy of the testing entity's emergency response guide, including information on how to instruct law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel on safe interaction with the vehicle in emergency and traffic enforcement situations.

(b)  The department shall distribute any emergency response guide received pursuant to subparagraph (a)(2) to all law enforcement, fire, and emergency response personnel with jurisdiction over the geographic area in the vicinity of the test entity's stated testing area.

VI.(a)  The department may suspend or refuse a testing entity's ability to participate in the pilot program if it finds that:

(1)  The testing entity's ADS-equipped vehicle had a significant or recurring failure to comply with the rules of the road of this state or any other state that presented an undue risk to public safety.

(2)  The testing company submitted a material misstatement on the materials submitted to the department.

(b)  If the department suspends or refuses to renew a testing entity's ability to test, the department shall provide written notice to the testing entity within 48 hours, detailing the grounds that led to the department's actions, as well as specific actions available to the testing entity to cure.

VII.  The department shall provide regular updates on the automated vehicle testing pilot program to the New Hampshire transportation council established under RSA 238-A:2.

VIII.(a)  Operation on the public roads of this state of an ADS-equipped vehicle capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task within its operational design domain while a conventional human driver is present is lawful under RSA 263, RSA 264, RSA 265, and RSA 266.

(b)  The automated driving system, while engaged, shall be designed to operate within its operational design domain in compliance with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state that specifically govern the performance of the dynamic driving task, unless an exemption has been granted by the department.  Any such operation shall comply as well with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state.  

IX.  A driverless capable vehicle may operate on the public roads of this state without a conventional human driver, provided that the vehicle meets the following conditions:

(a)  The vehicle is capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if a malfunction of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task within its intended operational design domain, if any;

(b)  While in driverless operation, the vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with all applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state that govern the performance of the dynamic driving task, unless an exemption has been granted by the department.  Any such operation shall comply as well with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state;

(c)  The vehicle is in compliance with all federal laws and regulations or has an exemption under federal law; and

(d)  Prior to such operation, the owner or the manufacturer of such a vehicle shall have submitted proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the department that the driverless vehicle is covered by insurance or proof of self-insurance that satisfies the requirements of RSA 264.

X.(a)  A person may operate an on-demand driverless capable vehicle network, provided that driverless vehicles utilized in such a network comply with the requirements of paragraph IX.  Such a network may provide transportation of persons or goods, including:

(1)  For-hire transportation;

(2)  Public transportation; and

(3)  Transportation for multiple passengers who agree to share the ride in whole or in part.

(b)  An on-demand driverless capable vehicle network may connect passengers to driverless capable vehicles either exclusively or as part of a digital network that also connects passengers to human drivers who provide transportation services, consistent with applicable law, in vehicles that are not driverless capable vehicles.

XI.  In the event of an accident in which a vehicle under driverless operation is involved the vehicle shall comply with RSA 264:25 where applicable and to the extent possible, and the vehicle's owner or a person on behalf of the vehicle's owner shall promptly report the accident to law enforcement authorities.  If a vehicle under driverless operation fails to remain at the scene of an accident or the operation of the vehicle fails to otherwise comply with RSA 264:25 where applicable and to the extent possible as required by this section, the vehicle's failure shall be imputed to the vehicle's owner, and the vehicle's owner may be charged and convicted of a violation of RSA 264:25 as applicable.  However, if the vehicle's failure is due to an error or malfunction in the automated driving system, the vehicle's failure shall instead be imputed to the vehicle's manufacturer, and the vehicle's manufacturer may be charged and convicted for a violation of RSA 264:25 as applicable.

XII.  Before an ADS-equipped vehicle may operate on public roads in this state, an owner of such a vehicle shall submit proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the department that the ADS-equipped vehicle is covered by insurance or proof of self-insurance that satisfies the requirements of RSA 264.

XIII.(a)  The automated vehicle testing pilot program, ADS-equipped vehicles, and automated driving systems generally, shall be governed exclusively by this chapter.  The department is the sole and exclusive state agency that may implement the provisions of this chapter.

(b)  No state or local entity may impose any additional requirements specific to the operation of the automated vehicle testing pilot program, ADS-equipped vehicles, on-demand driverless capable vehicle network, or automated driving systems generally.

(c)  No state or local entity may impose a tax, fee, or other requirement on the operation of the automated vehicle testing pilot program, ADS-equipped vehicles, on-demand driverless capable vehicle network, or automated driving systems generally, where such tax, fee, or other requirement relates specifically to the operation of ADS-equipped vehicles.

XIV.  Subject to paragraph VIII, no motor vehicle laws of this state shall be construed so as to require a conventional human driver to operate an ADS-equipped vehicle, and the automated driving system, when engaged, shall be deemed to fulfill any physical acts required of a conventional human driver to perform the dynamic driving task.

5  Commission to Review the Structure of Motor Vehicle Laws.  Amend RSA 260:77, IV to read as follows:

IV.  The commission shall:

(a)  Review the structure of motor vehicle laws.

(b)  Review existing state statutes and administrative rules to identify existing statutes or rules that may affect or impede the testing and deployment of automated vehicles, including but not limited to existing laws pertaining to vehicle registration and titling, vehicle insurance requirements, the use of arbitration requirements including pre-dispute arbitration requirements in contracts in the transportation sector, drivers' licenses, and general rules of the road.

6  Commission to Review the Structure of Motor Vehicle Laws.  Amend RSA 260:77, VI to read as follows:

VI.  The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before August 1, [2019] 2020.

7  Commission to Review the Structure of Motor Vehicle Laws; Repeal.  Amend 2018, 7:3, I, to read as follows:

I.  Section 2 of this act shall take effect August 1, [2019] 2020.

8  Effective Date.  

I.  RSA 242:1, I-VIII, XIII, and XIV, as inserted by section 4 of this act shall take effect September 1, 2019.

II.  RSA 242:1, IX through XII, as inserted by section 4 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2021.

III.  The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.

 

LBAO

19-0861

Amended 5/9/19

 

SB 216-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENT #2019-1604h)

 

AN ACT establishing an autonomous vehicle advisory commission, establishing an autonomous vehicle testing pilot program, and providing requirements for automated vehicle deployment.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:      [ X ] State              [    ] County               [ X ] Local              [    ] None

 

 

 

Estimated Increase / (Decrease)

STATE:

FY 2020

FY 2021

FY 2022

FY 2023

   Appropriation

$0

$0

$0

$0

   Revenue

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

   Expenditures

$50,000

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

Funding Source:

  [    ] General            [    ] Education            [ X ] Highway           [ X ] Other - *Restricted Cost of Collections

*Pursuant to Part II, article 6-a of the New Hampshire constitution, any costs associated with the collection and administration of Highway Funds by the Department of Safety shall be deducted by the Department before such funds are credited to the Highway Fund as unrestricted revenue.

 

LOCAL:

 

 

 

 

   Revenue

$0

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

Indeterminable Increase

   Expenditures

$0

$0

$0

$0

 

METHODOLOGY:

This bill as amended establishes the New Hampshire Autonomous Vehicle Advisory Commission. The Commission is required to review and research automated vehicle testing and deployment and report on their activities.  This bill requires the automated vehicle testing pilot program to be implemented by the Division of Motor Vehicles within the Department of Safety.  Entities looking to test automated driving vehicles in the pilot program are required in this bill to submit an application, pay an annual fee of $500, and receive approval by the Department.  The Department is unable to determine how many testing entities will participate in the pilot program and pay the $500 annual fee, but the Department estimates the number will be minimal.  Any increase in revenue to the highway fund due to the $500 annual fee would also increase local highway aid, which is at least 12 percent of total highway revenue from the previous year pursuant to RSA 235:23.

 

In FY 2020, the Department estimates a cost of $50,000 to reprogram the VISION system to incorporate the new license type established in this bill.  Additionally, each year thereafter will result in an increase to state expenditures by an indeterminable amount to pay local highway aid due to the increase in highway revenue.  However, this amount will depend on the size of the pilot program.

 

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Department of Safety

 

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