SF 4618 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Operation of certain autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks authorization

This bill authorizes the operation of autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks in Minnesota by updating state transportation laws. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers, transportation companies, and the Department of Public Safety by establishing legal definitions for key terms like autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and human drivers. The legislation creates a framework for the commissioner to regulate these vehicles and requires them to meet specific safety standards, including the ability to handle system failures and interact safely with first responders. Additionally, it allows for rulemaking to further define operational requirements for these vehicles on public roads.

Issues: ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 18, 2026 Last action Apr 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 6 edits · Apr 7, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from an introduction to its first engrossment and expanded significantly to include a new chapter (169B) dedicated to autonomous vehicles. The most critical change is the addition of a requirement for a task force to study the impact of commercial autonomous vehicles before any permits can be issued, effectively pausing commercial operations until that report is delivered. The bill also updated the effective date for permits from July 1, 2027, to be contingent on the completion of this study, and added a mandate that all vehicles in on-demand networks must be all-electric.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from regulating individual autonomous vehicle testing to establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial operations, including a new chapter, a mandatory impact study, and specific requirements for on-demand networks.

TIMELINE

Commercial autonomous vehicle operations are now prohibited until a specific impact study by a new task force is completed and a permit process is established.

The deadline for issuing autonomous vehicle permits was changed from a fixed date (July 1, 2027) to being contingent on the completion of the required impact study.

REQUIREMENT

A new requirement mandates that all autonomous vehicles operating in on-demand networks must be all-electric vehicles.

New operating requirements for on-demand networks include avoiding transit corridors when empty, displaying specific signage, and providing electronic receipts to riders.

The previous requirement for a traffic study prior to authorization was replaced with a broader mandate for a comprehensive impact study by a task force.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'wheelchair accessible vehicles' and 'commercial autonomous vehicle operations' to clarify regulatory boundaries.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Judiciary and Public Safety

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Committee

Referred to Transportation

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors