S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
3909--A
Cal. No. 428
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
I N S E N A T E
February 1, 2021
___________
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 expira-
tion 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 testing program for automobile manufactur-
ers and technology leaders to test and demonstrate automated vehicle
technology in New York, which will expire and be deemed repealed April
1, 2023. Consequently, the legislature finds that there is a pressing
need for policymakers to study automated vehicle technology and formu-
late comprehensive laws and regulations to ensure the state is prepared
for the safe deployment of automobiles equipped with this technology and
to help prepare the state for a future where automated vehicle technolo-
gy 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.
LBD05669-03-1
S. 3909--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) four members shall be appointed by the temporary president of the
senate, one of whom shall be appointed from an association representing
the manufacturers of the majority of new car and light truck manufactur-
ers sold in the United States and shall represent a different original
equipment manufacturer than the speaker of the assembly's appointment,
and one of whom shall be appointed from a state federation of affiliated
public sector, private sector, and building trades labor organizations;
(c) four members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly,
one of whom shall be appointed from an association representing the
manufacturers of the majority of new car and light truck manufacturers
sold in the United States and shall represent a different original
equipment manufacturer than the temporary president's appointment, and
one of whom shall be appointed from a statewide business advocacy organ-
ization representing large and small member companies and local chambers
of commerce and professional and trade associations;
(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; and
(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.
§ 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-
S. 3909--A 3
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
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-three.
§ 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be
deemed repealed 2 years after such date.
