Politics
Politics

Ga. Senate sends self-driving vehicles bill full speed ahead

In an undated handout photo provided by the automaker, a self-driving Ford Fusion Hybrid is tested near the company?s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. The state of Michigan has gotten behind the big automakers in their race with Silicon Valley to build autonomous vehicles. (Ford via The New York Times) — — NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH STORY SLUGGED SELF DRIVING DEVELOPMENT BY BOUDETTE AND VLASIC FOR DEC. 22 2016. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. ?
In an undated handout photo provided by the automaker, a self-driving Ford Fusion Hybrid is tested near the company?s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. The state of Michigan has gotten behind the big automakers in their race with Silicon Valley to build autonomous vehicles. (Ford via The New York Times) — — NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH STORY SLUGGED SELF DRIVING DEVELOPMENT BY BOUDETTE AND VLASIC FOR DEC. 22 2016. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. ?
By
March 30, 2017

The road has been cleared for a bill that would regulate autonomous vehicles.

Senators unanimously agreed to pass Senate Bill 219, which would require the operators of self-driving cars to adhere to certain insurance requirements and to register such vehicles with the state.

"These cars are going to save lives; they're going to reduce DUIs and reduce fatalities on our state and local roads," said Senate Majority Whip Steve Gooch, the bill's sponsor.

Gooch said the bill has the support of traditional manufacturers, technology companies and ride-share companies.

The bill, which passed 53-0, now goes to Gov. Nathan Deal.

About the Author

Michelle Baruchman covers the Georgia House of Representatives and statewide issues. She is a politics news and enterprise reporter covering statewide political stories.

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