California Governor Gavin Newsom recently rejected a proposed law that would have mandated the presence of a human operator in self-driving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds when operating on the state’s roads.
Newsom’s decision to veto Assembly Bill 316 is being hailed as a win for the autonomous vehicle sector, which has a significant presence in California. Conversely, it is being viewed as a setback for the Teamsters union, which organized a trucker convoy and rally at the state’s capital, urging Newsom to approve the legislation.
“Assembly Bill 316 is unnecessary for the regulation and oversight of heavy-duty autonomous vehicle technology in California, as existing law provides sufficient authority to create the appropriate regulatory framework,” Newsome said in the message that explained his veto.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles possesses the jurisdiction to supervise and control the testing and implementation of self-driving vehicles on California’s roadways. This authority enables the agency to halt or withdraw permits that grant businesses the privilege to conduct trials of autonomous vehicles.
AB 316 was widely perceived as a measure aimed at safeguarding employment opportunities for truck drivers and simultaneously tackling safety worries on the highways.
In his veto statement, Governor Newsom acknowledged the employment-related aspect of the bill.
He wrote he has directed “… the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to lead a stakeholder process next year to review and develop recommendations to mitigate the potential employment impact of testing and deployment of autonomous heavy-duty vehicles.”
The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association celebrated Governor Newsom’s decision to veto AB 316, asserting, among other points, that the bill would have enforced a lasting prohibition on autonomous vehicle (AV) trucks in California.
“We commend Governor Newsom for vetoing AB 316,” said Jeff Farrah, executive director for the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. “As a result, California’s safety experts can continue to evaluate autonomous vehicle technology and consider appropriate regulatory action. We look forward to continuing to work with the California DMV, California Highway Patrol, Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and other state regulators that are evaluating the future of autonomous trucking technology in the state.”
During the gathering on Tuesday, September 19th, members of the Teamsters union and other participants expressed their disagreement with the bill and urged Governor Newsom to endorse AB 316. They also cautioned Newsom about potential consequences should he decide to veto the legislation.
“If Gov. Newsom chooses to not do the right thing, he is sending a message to California and every state in this country that technology should overrule middle-class jobs,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Gov. Newsom, I got a message for you: you want to sign this bill and take on 1.2 million Teamsters in this country? Put your helmet on and buckle in your chinstrap.”
