Harrisburg – – Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, held a voting meeting today to consider Senate Bill 965 (Langerholc), which authorizes research institutions and companies to test and deploy Highly Automated Vehicles (HAV) in Pennsylvania. The bill passed (12-2) with bipartisan support.
“Today’s bipartisan vote on this historic legislation builds-on the last five years of safely testing Highly Automated Vehicles in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Langerholc. “As evidenced by my leadership to develop today’s comprehensive amendment, my door is always open to discuss the challenges and opportunities of this emerging industry. I look forward to continuing the collaboration with Commonwealth agencies, stakeholders and constituents on this roadmap for Highly Automated Vehicles.”
Senate Bill 965 was introduced on January 5, 2022, at a bipartisan press conference in Pittsburgh. After numerous discussions and meetings with stakeholders, the comprehensive amendment was drafted to address the following areas:
- Codifies the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) HAV testing guidance,
- Defines PennDOT’s regulatory processes to oversee the deployment phase,
- Clarifies an HAV under the bill only applies to a firm, copartnership, association, corporation or research institution,
- Requires a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage; and
- Studies the workforce impacts and mobility improvements for persons with disabilities.
The amendment was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill as amended now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Contact: Nolan Ritchie, nritchie@pasen.gov