HB 699 Summary

• Defines "automated commercial motor vehicle" as a commercial vehicle with an automated driving system installed, excluding vehicles with only active safety or operator assistance systems.

• Requires a licensed commercial driver to be physically present, monitoring the vehicle, and capable of taking immediate control at all times when operating on public roads; violation carries a $10,000 daily fine.

• Mandates manufacturers maintain $1 million liability insurance coverage per accident and equip vehicles with sensors and data recorders capturing all automated driving system functions in accessible, unredacted format for law enforcement.

• Makes the automated driving system legally responsible as the "operator" for criminal and civil violations when performing all dynamic driving tasks; assigns liability to the manufacturer for penalties.

• Amends texting-while-driving law to permit use of handheld wireless devices for monitoring or controlling automated commercial motor vehicles in compliance with the new requirements.