NY State Senate Bill 2019-S6014B

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Dec 28, 2020	committed to rules
Feb 10, 2020	advanced to third reading
Feb 05, 2020	2nd report cal.
Feb 04, 2020	1st report cal.356
Jan 15, 2020	print number 6014b
Jan 15, 2020	amend and recommit to transportation
Jan 08, 2020	referred to transportation returned to senate died in assembly
Jun 17, 2019	referred to transportation delivered to assembly passed senate
Jun 13, 2019	amended on third reading 6014a
Jun 04, 2019	advanced to third reading
Jun 03, 2019	2nd report cal.
May 30, 2019	1st report cal.1082
May 16, 2019	referred to transportation

Votes

- Jun 17, 2019 - Floor Vote
  S6014B
  
  61
  
  Aye
  
  1
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Floor Vote: Jun 17, 2019
      
      aye (61)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Amedore
      
      Antonacci
      
      Bailey
      
      Benjamin
      
      Biaggi
      
      Boyle
      
      Breslin
      
      Brooks
      
      Carlucci
      
      Comrie
      
      Felder
      
      Flanagan
      
      Funke
      
      Gallivan
      
      Gaughran
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gounardes
      
      Griffo
      
      Harckham
      
      Helming
      
      Hoylman-Sigal
      
      Jackson
      
      Jacobs
      
      Jordan
      
      Kaminsky
      
      Kaplan
      
      Kavanagh
      
      Kennedy
      
      Krueger
      
      LaValle
      
      Lanza
      
      Little
      
      Liu
      
      Martinez
      
      May
      
      Mayer
      
      Metzger
      
      Montgomery
      
      Myrie
      
      O'Mara
      
      Ortt
      
      Parker
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Ritchie
      
      Rivera
      
      Robach
      
      Salazar
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      Savino
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Serino
      
      Serrano
      
      Seward
      
      Skoufis
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Tedisco
      
      Thomas
      
      nay (1)
      
      Akshar
  Feb 4, 2020 - Transportation Committee Vote
  S6014B
  
  15
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Transportation Committee Vote: Feb 4, 2020
      
      aye (15)
      
      Benjamin
      
      Borrello
      
      Carlucci
      
      Gallivan
      
      Kaminsky
      
      Kaplan
      
      Kennedy
      
      Liu
      
      O'Mara
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Robach
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Skoufis
  May 30, 2019 - Transportation Committee Vote
  S6014B
  
  15
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Transportation Committee Vote: May 30, 2019
      
      aye (15)
      
      Benjamin
      
      Carlucci
      
      Gallivan
      
      Jacobs
      
      Kaminsky
      
      Kaplan
      
      Kennedy
      
      Liu
      
      O'Mara
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Robach
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Skoufis

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

2019-S6014 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Vehicle and Traffic
Versions Introduced in 2021-2022 Legislative Session:: S3909

2019-S6014 - Summary

Establishes the New York task force on automated vehicle technology to study and assess the future of automated vehicle technology.

2019-S6014 - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6014

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act establishing the New York task force on automated vehicle tech-
nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expira-
tion thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will establish an automated vehicle technology task
force to study and provide recommendations that will support the safe-
testing, deployment and operation of automated vehicle technology on
public highways.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: provides the intent of the Legislature to create a task-force
that will study and provide recommendations to support the safe-testing
and deployment of automated vehicle technology on NYS roads.

Section 2: creates the criteria to establish a seventeen-member auto-
mated vehicle task force.

Section 3: establishes the timeline for appointments and organizational
structure.

Section 4: sets forth criteria for which the task force shall take into
consideration; establishes public hearings for broader stakeholder and
community input.

Section 5: effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

According to federal statistics, over 37,000 lives were lost in automo-
bile accidents on our nation's roads and highways last year.  The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) research indi-
cates that nearly 94% of these accidents are a result of human error
mostly caused by driver distraction.

For over a decade, automobile manufacturers and high-tech start-up
companies have researched and developed advanced safety features that
are aimed to prevent driver related accidents. Many of these safety
feature, such as adaptive cruise control, emergency breaking, rear-view
cameras, and lane assist are considered automated vehicle technologies
and are becoming standardized in most newly manufactured cars on the
road today.

While studies show that automated vehicle technology plays a significant
role in reducing the number of automobile accidents, automated vehicle
technology has the real potential to solve mobility challenges for indi-
viduals with certain handicaps, the elderly, the visually impaired and
people with disabilities. The opportunity to reduce accidents and to
revolutionize mobility for our society is also driving colleges and
universities to invest significant resources into the research and
development of automated vehicle technologies. In addition to the safety
and social benefits, the research and development of autonomous technol-
ogy also has the unlimited potential to create real economic development
opportunities and job creation.

In 2017, New York state adopted its first automated driving pilot
program to allow companies to test its automated vehicle technology on
public roads. The program was extended in the 2019-20 FY budget until
April 1, 2021.

The fact of the matter is that this technology is already here and, in
many respects, our laws and regulations are not keeping up with this
technology. As a legislative body, we must begin to examine our policies
to determine the best path forward to allow for the safe and responsible
deployment of automated vehicles in our state.

This bill will begin the process of updating our policies by establish-
ing a task force of industry experts and community stakeholders to exam-
ine our laws and regulations and provide recommendations to be consid-
ered that supports the safe deployment of automated cars in the near
future.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2019-S6014 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   6014
 
                        2019-2020 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               May 16, 2019
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
 
 AN ACT establishing the New York task force on automated  vehicle  tech-
   nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expi-
   ration thereof

   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Legislative findings. The Legislature finds that  automated
 vehicle technology offers widely anticipated and revolutionary potential
 for  the  transportation  sector.  Among the unprecedented opportunities
 offered by this technology are inclusive  mobility  options  to  benefit
 disadvantaged,  disabled  and elderly residents; as congestion and emis-
 sions mitigation; improved livable land use, and  basic  road.  Further,
 the  legislature  has  amended section 2 of part FF of chapter 55 of the
 laws of 2017, relating to motor vehicles equipped with autonomous  vehi-
 cle  technology,  as amended by section 2 of part H of chapter 58 of the
 laws of 2018, as amended by section 1 of part M of  chapter  58  of  the
 laws  of  2019,  to  allow for a two-year testing program for automobile
 manufacturers and technology leaders to test and  demonstrate  automated
 vehicle technology in New York, which will expire and be deemed repealed
 April  1,  2021.    Consequently,  the legislature finds that there is a
 pressing need for policymakers to study automated vehicle technology and
 formulate comprehensive laws and regulations  to  ensure  the  state  is
 prepared for the safe deployment of automobiles equipped with this tech-
 nology  and to help prepare the state's role in a future where automated
 vehicle technology plays in shaping  our  roadways,  economy,  education
 system, and society.
   To  this  end,  it is in the public interest to establish an automated
 vehicle task force that shall study, evaluate  and  develop  recommenda-
 tions  relating  to  specific actionable measures that address how auto-
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD11841-01-9

 S. 6014                             2
 
 mated vehicle technology will transform the state's  roadways,  economy,
 education system, and society.
   §  2.  Automated  vehicle task force. The New York task force on auto-
 mated vehicle technology is hereby established to study and  assess  the
 future  of  automated  vehicle  technology.    For purposes of this act,
 "automated vehicle" shall mean a motor vehicle that has  the  capability
 to drive the vehicle without the active control or monitoring of a human
 operator. Such task force shall consist of seventeen members with demon-
 strated  expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force. The
 members of the task force shall be appointed as follows:
   (a) five members shall be appointed by  the  governor,  such  member's
 expertise  shall  encompass,  but  not be limited to, the topic areas of
 transportation, research and development, education, people  with  disa-
 bilities; one of such member shall be the commissioner of the department
 of  motor vehicles and shall serve as chairperson of the task force; and
 one member shall be the commissioner of the department of transportation
 and shall serve as vice chair;
   (b) two members shall be appointed by the temporary president  of  the
 senate;
   (c) two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
   (d) one member shall be appointed by the senate minority leader;
   (e) one member shall be appointed by the assembly minority leader;
   (f)  one  member  shall  be  appointed  by the chancellor of the state
 university of New York; such member shall be  a  member  of  a  research
 faculty  of  an engineering department at a state university of New York
 campus;
   (g) one member shall be appointed by  the  commission  on  independent
 colleges  and  universities  from a New York private university research
 faculty of an engineering department;
   (h) two such appointees shall be representatives of differing original
 equipment manufacturers;
   (i) one member shall be appointed by the president of AFL-CIO; and
   (j) one member shall be appointed by the New York state business coun-
 cil.
   § 3. All appointments shall be made no later than  the  thirtieth  day
 after the effective date of this section. Vacancies in the membership of
 the  task  force  shall be filled in the same manner provided for by the
 original appointments. The task force shall organize as soon as  practi-
 cable  following  the  appointment of its members. The chairperson shall
 appoint a secretary who shall not be a member of  the  task  force.  The
 members  of  the  task  force  shall  receive  no compensation for their
 services.
   § 4. The task force shall study, evaluate and develop  recommendations
 relating  to  specific  actionable  measures  that address how automated
 vehicle technology will transform the state's roadways, economy,  educa-
 tion  system  and  society. The automated vehicle task force shall study
 how to support the safe testing, deployment and operation  of  automated
 vehicle  technology on public highways. It shall take all of the follow-
 ing into consideration:  (a)  the  measures  necessary  to  successfully
 implement automated vehicles, including any legislative changes; (b) the
 difficulties  and  liabilities  that  could  arise by allowing automated
 vehicles on public highways; (c) how automated  vehicle  technology  can
 promote  research and development in this state; and (d) any other issue
 the committee deems relevant.
   § 5. The task force shall be entitled  to  request  and  receive,  and
 shall  utilize such facilities, resources and data of any court, depart-

 S. 6014                             3
 
 ment, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or  any
 political  subdivision  thereof as it may reasonably request to properly
 carry out its powers and duties.
   §  6.  In  carrying  out its functions, the task force shall hold five
 public hearings around  the  state  to  foster  discussions  among,  and
 conduct  formal  public hearings with requisite public notice to solicit
 input and recommendations from statewide and regional stakeholder inter-
 ests.
   § 7. The task force shall report its findings and  recommendations  to
 the  governor,  the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of
 the assembly on or before April first, two thousand twenty-one.
   § 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall  expire  and  be
 deemed repealed 2 years after such date.

2019-S6014A - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Vehicle and Traffic
Versions Introduced in 2021-2022 Legislative Session:: S3909

2019-S6014A - Summary

Establishes the New York task force on automated vehicle technology to study and assess the future of automated vehicle technology.

2019-S6014A - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6014A

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act establishing the New York task force on auto-
mated vehicle technology; and providing for the repeal of such
provisions upon the expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will establish an automated vehicle technology task
force to study and provide recommendations that will support the safe-
testing, deployment and operation of automated vehicle technology on
public highways.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: provides the intent of the Legislature to create a task-force
that will study, evaluate, and develop recommendations to support the
safe-testing and deployment of automated vehicle technology on NYS
roads.

Section 2: details the criteria to establish a seventeen-member auto-
mated vehicle task force.

Section 3: establishes the timeline for appointments and provides organ-
izational Structure to the task force.

Section 4: sets forth criteria which the task force shall take into
consideration.

Section 5: states that the task force shall be entitled to request and
receive facilities, resources, and data of any court, department, divi-
sion, board, bureau, commission, or agency of the state or political
subdivision to carry out its powers and duties.

Section 6: states that task force shall hold five public hearings, and
formal public hearings to solicit input and recommendations from state-
wide and regional stakeholder interests.

Section 7: states that the task force shall report its findings and
recommendations to the governor, the temporary president of the senate
and the speaker of the assembly on or before April first, two thousand
twenty-one.

Section 8: establishes the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

According to federal statistics, over 37,000 lives were lost in automo-
bile accidents on our nation's roads and highways last year. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) research indi-
cates that nearly 94% of these accidents are a result of human error
mostly caused by driver distraction.

For over a decade, automobile manufacturers and high-tech start-up
companies have researched and developed advanced safety features that
are aimed to prevent driver related accidents. Many of these safety
feature, such as adaptive cruise control, emergency breaking, rear-view
cameras, and lane assist are considered automated vehicle technologies
and are becoming standardized in most newly manufactured cars on the
road today.

While studies show that automated vehicle technology plays a significant
role in reducing the number of automobile accidents, automated vehicle
technology has the real potential to solve mobility challenges for indi-
viduals with certain handicaps, the elderly, the visually impaired and
people with disabilities. The opportunity to reduce accidents and to
revolutionize mobility for our society is also driving colleges and
universities to invest significant resources into the research and
development of automated vehicle technologies. In addition to the safety
and social benefits, the research and development of autonomous technol-
ogy also has the unlimited potential to create real economic development
opportunities and job creation.

In 2017, New York state adopted its first automated driving pilot
program to allow companies to test its automated vehicle technology on
public roads. The program was extended in the 2019-20 FY budget until
April 1, 2021.

The fact of the matter is that this technology is already here and, in
many respects, our laws and regulations are not keeping up with this
technology. As a legislative body, we must begin to examine our policies
to determine the best path forward to allow for the safe and responsible
deployment of automated vehicles in our state.

This bill will begin the process of updating our policies by establish-
ing a task force of industry experts and community stakeholders to exam-
ine our laws and regulations and provide recommendations to be consid-
ered that supports the safe deployment of automated cars in the near
future.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2019-S6014A - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6014--A
     Cal. No. 1082
 
                        2019-2020 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               May 16, 2019
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation -- reported
   favorably from said committee, ordered to  first  and  second  report,
   ordered  to  a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining
   its place in the order of third reading

 AN ACT establishing the New York task force on automated  vehicle  tech-
   nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expi-
   ration thereof
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Legislative findings. The Legislature finds that  automated
 vehicle technology offers widely anticipated and revolutionary potential
 for  the  transportation  sector.  Among the unprecedented opportunities
 offered by this technology are inclusive  mobility  options  to  benefit
 disadvantaged,  disabled and elderly residents; congestion and emissions
 mitigation; improved livable land use, and better road  usage.  Further,
 the  legislature  has  amended section 2 of part FF of chapter 55 of the
 laws of 2017, relating to motor vehicles equipped with autonomous  vehi-
 cle  technology,  as amended by section 2 of part H of chapter 58 of the
 laws of 2018, as amended by section 1 of part M of  chapter  58  of  the
 laws  of  2019,  to  allow for a two-year testing program for automobile
 manufacturers and technology leaders to test and  demonstrate  automated
 vehicle technology in New York, which will expire and be deemed repealed
 April  1,  2021.  Consequently,  the  legislature  finds that there is a
 pressing need for policymakers to study automated vehicle technology and
 formulate comprehensive laws and regulations  to  ensure  the  state  is
 prepared for the safe deployment of automobiles equipped with this tech-
 nology  and to help prepare the state for a future where automated vehi-
 cle technology plays a role in shaping our roadways, economy,  education
 system, and society.

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD11841-02-9

 S. 6014--A                          2
 
   To  this  end,  it is in the public interest to establish an automated
 vehicle task force to study, evaluate and develop recommendations relat-
 ing to specific actionable measures that address how  automated  vehicle
 technology  will  transform  the  state's  roadways,  economy, education
 system, and society.
   §  2.  Automated  vehicle task force. The New York task force on auto-
 mated vehicle technology is hereby established to study and  assess  the
 future of automated vehicle technology. For purposes of this act, "auto-
 mated  vehicle"  shall  mean  a motor vehicle that has the capability to
 drive the vehicle without the active control or monitoring  of  a  human
 operator  including  any automation level at or above SAE J3016 level 3.
 Such task force shall consist of  seventeen  members  with  demonstrated
 expertise  in issues relating to the work of the task force. The members
 of the task force shall be appointed as follows:
   (a) five members shall be appointed by  the  governor,  such  members'
 expertise shall encompass, but not be limited to, the areas of transpor-
 tation,  research and development, education, education for or assisting
 people with disabilities; one of these members shall be the commissioner
 of the department of motor vehicles and shall serve  as  chairperson  of
 the  task force; and one member shall be the commissioner of the depart-
 ment of transportation and shall serve as vice chair;
   (b) two members shall be appointed by the temporary president  of  the
 senate;
   (c) two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
   (d) one member shall be appointed by the senate minority leader;
   (e) one member shall be appointed by the assembly minority leader;
   (f)  one  member  shall  be  appointed  by the chancellor of the state
 university of New York; such member shall be  a  member  of  a  research
 faculty  of  an engineering department at a state university of New York
 campus;
   (g) one member shall be appointed by  the  commission  on  independent
 colleges  and  universities  from a New York private university research
 faculty of an engineering department;
   (h) two members shall be  appointed  by  the  alliance  of  automobile
 manufacturers  and  shall  be  representatives of two differing original
 equipment manufacturers;
   (i) one member shall be appointed by the president of AFL-CIO; and
   (j) one member shall be appointed by the New York state business coun-
 cil.
   § 3. All appointments shall be made no later than  the  thirtieth  day
 after the effective date of this section. Vacancies in the membership of
 the  task  force  shall be filled in the same manner provided for by the
 original appointments. The task force shall organize as soon as  practi-
 cable  following  the  appointment of its members. The chairperson shall
 appoint a secretary who shall not be a member of  the  task  force.  The
 members  of  the  task  force  shall  receive  no compensation for their
 services.
   § 4. The task force shall study, evaluate and develop  recommendations
 relating  to  specific  actionable  measures  that address how automated
 vehicle technology will transform the state's roadways, economy,  educa-
 tion  system  and  society. The automated vehicle task force shall study
 how to support the safe testing, deployment and operation  of  automated
 vehicle  technology on public highways. It shall take all of the follow-
 ing into consideration:  (a)  the  measures  necessary  to  successfully
 implement  automated vehicles, including necessary legislative and regu-
 latory or administrative changes; (b) the difficulties  and  liabilities

 S. 6014--A                          3
 
 that  could  arise by allowing automated vehicles on public highways and
 proper mechanisms to manage risks and ensure adequate risk coverage; (c)
 how automated vehicle technology can promote research and development in
 this  state;  (d)  potential  considerations  and resource needs for law
 enforcement; (e) potential infrastructure  changes  needed  and  capital
 planning  considerations;  and  (f)  any other issue the committee deems
 relevant.
   § 5. The task force shall be entitled  to  request  and  receive,  and
 shall  utilize such facilities, resources and data of any court, depart-
 ment, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or  any
 political  subdivision  thereof as it may reasonably request to properly
 carry out its powers and duties.
   § 6. In carrying out its functions, the task  force  shall  hold  five
 public  hearings  around  the  state to foster discussions in accordance
 with article seven of the public officers law, and formal  public  hear-
 ings  to  solicit  input and recommendations from statewide and regional
 stakeholder interests.
   § 7. The task force shall report its findings and  recommendations  to
 the  governor,  the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of
 the assembly on or before April first, two thousand twenty-one.
   § 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall  expire  and  be
 deemed repealed 2 years after such date.

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Vehicle and Traffic
Versions Introduced in 2021-2022 Legislative Session:: S3909

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Summary

Establishes the New York task force on automated vehicle technology to study and assess the future of automated vehicle technology.

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S6014B

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act establishing the New York task force on automated vehicle tech-
nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expira-
tion thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will establish an automated vehicle technology task
force to study and provide recommendations that will support the safe-
testing, deployment and operation of automated vehicle technology on
public highways.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: provides the intent of the Legislature to create a task-force
that will study, evaluate, and develop recommendations to support the
safe-testing and deployment of automated vehicle technology on NYS

roads.

Section 2: details the criteria to establish a seventeen-member auto-
mated vehicle task force.

Section 3: establishes the timeline for appointments and provides organ-
izational Structure to the task force.

Section 4: sets forth criteria which the task force shall take into
consideration.

Section 5: states that the task force shall be entitled to request and
receive facilities, resources, and data of any court, department, divi-
sion, board, bureau, commission, or agency of the state or political
subdivision to carry out its powers and duties.

Section 6: states that task force shall hold five public hearings, and
formal public hearings to solicit input and recommendations from state-
wide and regional stakeholder interests.

Section 7: states that the task force shall report its findings and
recommendations to the governor, the temporary president of the senate
and the speaker of the assembly on or before April first, two thousand
twenty-one.

Section 8: establishes the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

According to federal statistics, over 37,000 lives were lost in automo-
bile accidents on our nation's roads and highways last year.  The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) research indi-
cates that nearly 94% of these accidents are a result of human error
mostly caused by driver distraction.

For over a decade, automobile manufacturers and high-tech start-up
companies have researched and developed advanced safety features that
are aimed to prevent driver related accidents. Many of these safety
feature, such as adaptive cruise control, emergency breaking, rear-view
cameras, and lane assist are considered automated vehicle technologies
and are becoming standardized in most newly manufactured cars on the
road today.

While studies show that automated vehicle technology plays a significant
role in reducing the number of automobile accidents, automated vehicle
technology has the real potential to solve mobility challenges for indi-
viduals with certain handicaps, the elderly, the visually impaired and
people with disabilities. The opportunity to reduce accidents and to
revolutionize mobility for our society is also driving colleges and
universities to invest significant resources into the research and
development of automated vehicle technologies. In addition to the safety
and social benefits, the research and development of autonomous technol-
ogy also has the unlimited potential to create real economic development
opportunities and job creation.

In 2017, New York state adopted its first automated driving pilot
program to allow companies to test its automated vehicle technology on
public roads. The program was extended in the 2019-20 FY budget until
April 1, 2021.

The fact of the matter is that this technology is already here and, in
many respects, our laws and regulations are not keeping up with this
technology. As a legislative body, we must begin to examine our policies
to determine the best path forward to allow for the safe and responsible
deployment of automated vehicles in our state.

This bill will begin the process of updating our policies by establish-
ing a task force of industry experts and community stakeholders to exam-
ine our laws and regulations and provide recommendations to be consid-
ered that supports the safe deployment of automated cars in the near
future.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6014--B
 
                        2019-2020 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               May 16, 2019
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation -- reported
   favorably from said committee, ordered to  first  and  second  report,
   ordered  to  a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining
   its place in the order of third reading -- recommitted to the  Commit-
   tee  on  Transportation  in  accordance  with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 --
   committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as  amended  and
   recommitted to said committee
 
 AN  ACT  establishing the New York task force on automated vehicle tech-
   nology; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expi-
   ration thereof
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. Legislative findings. The Legislature finds that automated
 vehicle technology offers widely anticipated and revolutionary potential
 for the transportation sector.  Among  the  unprecedented  opportunities
 offered  by  this  technology  are inclusive mobility options to benefit
 disadvantaged, disabled and elderly residents; congestion and  emissions
 mitigation;  improved  livable land use, and better road usage. Further,
 the legislature has amended section 2 of part FF of chapter  55  of  the
 laws  of 2017, relating to motor vehicles equipped with autonomous vehi-
 cle technology, as amended by section 2 of part H of chapter 58  of  the
 laws  of  2018,  as  amended by section 1 of part M of chapter 58 of the
 laws of 2019, to allow for a two-year  testing  program  for  automobile
 manufacturers  and  technology leaders to test and demonstrate automated
 vehicle technology in New York, which will expire and be deemed repealed
 April 1, 2021. Consequently, the  legislature  finds  that  there  is  a
 pressing need for policymakers to study automated vehicle technology and
 formulate  comprehensive  laws  and  regulations  to ensure the state is
 prepared for the safe deployment of automobiles equipped with this tech-
 nology and to help prepare the state for a future where automated  vehi-
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD11841-04-0

 S. 6014--B                          2
 
 cle  technology plays a role in shaping our roadways, economy, education
 system, and society.
   To  this  end,  it is in the public interest to establish an automated
 vehicle task force to study, evaluate and develop recommendations relat-
 ing to specific actionable measures that address how  automated  vehicle
 technology  will  transform  the  state's  roadways,  economy, education
 system, and society.
   § 2. Automated vehicle task force. The New York task  force  on  auto-
 mated  vehicle  technology is hereby established to study and assess the
 future of automated vehicle technology. For purposes of this act, "auto-
 mated vehicle" shall mean a motor vehicle that  has  the  capability  to
 drive  the  vehicle  without the active control or monitoring of a human
 operator including any automation level at or above SAE J3016  level  3.
 Such  task  force  shall  consist of seventeen members with demonstrated
 expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force. The  members
 of the task force shall be appointed as follows:
   (a)  five  members  shall  be appointed by the governor, such members'
 expertise shall encompass, but not be limited to, the areas of transpor-
 tation, research and development, education, education for or  assisting
 people with disabilities; one of these members shall be the commissioner
 of  the  department  of motor vehicles and shall serve as chairperson of
 the task force; and one member shall be the commissioner of the  depart-
 ment of transportation and shall serve as vice chair;
   (b)  two  members shall be appointed by the temporary president of the
 senate;
   (c) two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
   (d) one member shall be appointed by the senate minority leader;
   (e) one member shall be appointed by the assembly minority leader;
   (f) one member shall be appointed  by  the  chancellor  of  the  state
 university  of  New  York;  such  member shall be a member of a research
 faculty of an engineering department at a state university of  New  York
 campus;
   (g)  one  member  shall  be appointed by the commission on independent
 colleges and universities from a New York  private  university  research
 faculty of an engineering department;
   (h)  two  members  shall  be  appointed  by the alliance of automobile
 manufacturers and shall be representatives  of  two  differing  original
 equipment manufacturers;
   (i) one member shall be appointed by the president of AFL-CIO; and
   (j) one member shall be appointed by the New York state business coun-
 cil.
   §  3.  All  appointments shall be made no later than the thirtieth day
 after the effective date of this section. Vacancies in the membership of
 the task force shall be filled in the same manner provided  for  by  the
 original  appointments. The task force shall organize as soon as practi-
 cable following the appointment of its members.  The  chairperson  shall
 appoint  a  secretary  who  shall not be a member of the task force. The
 members of the task  force  shall  receive  no  compensation  for  their
 services.
   §  4. The task force shall study, evaluate and develop recommendations
 relating to specific actionable  measures  that  address  how  automated
 vehicle  technology will transform the state's roadways, economy, educa-
 tion system and society. The automated vehicle task  force  shall  study
 how  to  support the safe testing, deployment and operation of automated
 vehicle technology on public highways. It shall take all of the  follow-
 ing  into  consideration:  (a)  the  measures  necessary to successfully

 S. 6014--B                          3
 
 implement automated vehicles, including necessary legislative and  regu-
 latory  or  administrative changes; (b) the difficulties and liabilities
 that could arise by allowing automated vehicles on public  highways  and
 proper mechanisms to manage risks and ensure adequate risk coverage; (c)
 how automated vehicle technology can promote research and development in
 this  state;  (d)  potential  considerations  and resource needs for law
 enforcement; (e) potential infrastructure  changes  needed  and  capital
 planning  considerations;  and  (f)  any other issue the committee deems
 relevant.
   § 5. The task force shall be entitled  to  request  and  receive,  and
 shall  utilize such facilities, resources and data of any court, depart-
 ment, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or  any
 political  subdivision  thereof as it may reasonably request to properly
 carry out its powers and duties.
   § 6. In carrying out its functions, the task  force  shall  hold  five
 public  hearings  around  the  state to foster discussions in accordance
 with article seven of the public officers law, and formal  public  hear-
 ings  to  solicit  input and recommendations from statewide and regional
 stakeholder interests.
   § 7. The task force shall report its findings and  recommendations  to
 the  governor,  the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of
 the assembly on or before April first, two thousand twenty-two.
   § 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall  expire  and  be
 deemed repealed 2 years after such date.

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Senate Bill S6014B

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Jun 17, 2019 - Floor Vote

Floor Vote: Jun 17, 2019

Feb 4, 2020 - Transportation Committee Vote

Transportation Committee Vote: Feb 4, 2020

May 30, 2019 - Transportation Committee Vote

Transportation Committee Vote: May 30, 2019

Bill Amendments

2019-S6014 - Details

2019-S6014 - Summary

2019-S6014 - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014 - Bill Text download pdf

2019-S6014A - Details

2019-S6014A - Summary

2019-S6014A - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014A - Bill Text download pdf

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Details

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S6014B

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Sponsored By

Timothy M. Kennedy

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Bill Amendments

2019-S6014 - Details

2019-S6014 - Summary

2019-S6014 - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014 - Bill Text download pdf

2019-S6014A - Details

2019-S6014A - Summary

2019-S6014A - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014A - Bill Text download pdf

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Details

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2019-S6014B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments