MACo submitted written testimony at the House Environment and Transportation Committee hearing (2016-01-28) of legislation (HB 8) that would create a task force on self-driving vehicles requesting amendments adding additional county representatives. The additional representatives would allow county input into the law enforcement and road design and maintenance challenges that self-driving/autonomous vehicles pose to county governments. The bill’s primary sponsor was Delegate Pamela Beidle. From MACo’s testimony:
For counties, the three key issues with autonomous vehicles are: (1) changes in road design and maintenance; (2) law enforcement practices; and (3) liability issues.
MACo supports having a task force or workgroup to address these important issues and has been participating in an Autonomous Vehicle Working Group that was formed by the Maryland Department of Transportation in December of 2015. That working group is looking at the same issues as proposed by HB 8 but has several more local government participants.
Currently, HB 8 provides for a representative from the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association. MACo’s attached amendment would also add a representative from the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association and a county engineer or public works representative.
HB 8 is cross-filed as SB 126.
Useful Links
Delegate Pamela Beidle Webpage
Prior Conduit Street Coverage of Autonomous Vehicle Working Group
