SB 67: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles - Montana

SB0067_X(4).pdf → SB0067_X(5).pdf · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated to streamline its title and reorganize the definition of automated driving levels. Most significantly, the rules for Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles were expanded to allow them on public highways without requiring a human driver to be ready to intervene immediately, shifting the focus to the vehicle's ability to handle system failures or exit the operational domain on its own.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly permits Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles on state highways, whereas previous versions required a human driver to be ready to take control upon a system request or failure.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Level 3 automated driving system' was changed to require a human driver to be ready to intervene only after a specific request or system failure, rather than being required to perform the task on a sustained basis.

The definition of 'Level 4 automated driving system' was updated to remove the requirement for a human driver to respond to intervention requests, allowing the vehicle to handle all maneuvers necessary to achieve a minimal risk condition independently.

The definition of 'Level 5 automated driving system' was similarly updated to remove the requirement for a human driver to respond to intervention requests, enabling full autonomy under all conditions.

A new subsection was added to Section 4 stating that local governments cannot regulate traffic or improve transportation networks in a way that discriminates against vehicles with automated driving systems.

ELIGIBILITY

The section allowing the use of automated driving systems was revised to clarify that Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles may be used on public highways subject to department rulemaking, reflecting the new definitions of higher autonomy.

SB0067_3(10).pdf → SB0067_X.pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was transitioned from a draft version to an enrolled (final) version, updating the title to 'SB 67' and removing introductory text. The core policy content regarding the use of autonomous vehicles remains substantively unchanged, with definitions for automated driving systems (Levels 1-5) and usage rules preserved.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on allowing Level 1, 2, and 3 autonomous vehicles on state highways immediately, while Level 4 and 5 vehicles are permitted only after specific departmental rules are established.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill numbering from 'SB0067.3' to 'SB 67' and changed the document status from a draft to an enrolled bill.

Removed introductory 'Whereas' clauses and replaced them with a standard enacting clause, which is a procedural step in finalizing legislation.

Replaced internal draft instructions (e.g., 'Strike everything after the enacting clause') with the actual legislative text.

SB0067_2(18).pdf → SB0067_3.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill version was updated from SB 67.2 to SB 67.3, indicating a revision in the legislative process. The text formatting was adjusted to remove bracketed placeholders and consolidate section references, specifically changing the scope reference from 'sections 1 through 6' to 'sections 5 and 6' in the context of city regulations. These changes appear to be technical refinements to clarify which sections of the bill apply to local government authority rather than substantive policy shifts.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding local government authority was clarified by updating the referenced sections from a broad range (1 through 6) to specific sections (5 and 6).

TECHNICAL

Updated section references in the text to remove bracketed placeholders and specify 'sections 5 and 6' instead of 'sections 1 through 6'.

Reordered and consolidated text lines to improve formatting and flow without altering the underlying legal meaning.

SB0067_2(10).pdf → SB0067_2(11).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill underwent significant formatting and capitalization updates to align with standard legislative drafting conventions, while the substantive legal text regarding automated driving systems remained unchanged. The changes primarily involve converting all-caps headers and definitions to sentence case and adjusting line breaks for better readability.

Scope change

No change to the bill's scope or applicability; the operational rules for autonomous vehicles remain identical.

TECHNICAL

Converted all-caps section headers and definitions to standard sentence case (e.g., 'SHORT TITLE' became 'Short title').

Adjusted line breaks and paragraph spacing to improve document formatting and readability.

Standardized the capitalization of the bill title and preamble text from all-caps to mixed case.

SB0067_2(2).pdf → SB0067_2(3).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill adds formal definitions for automated driving systems (Levels 1 through 5) and clarifies the specific operational capabilities required for each level. It explicitly permits Level 1, 2, and 3 systems on public highways while allowing Level 4 and 5 systems subject to future department rules. The changes establish a clear legal framework for autonomous vehicles, distinguishing between systems that require human intervention and those that do not.

Scope change

The bill's scope is expanded to formally include and regulate all levels of automated driving systems (Levels 1-5) on public highways, whereas previous versions lacked these specific definitions and explicit permissions.

DEFINITION

Added detailed definitions for 'Automated driving system' and specific criteria for Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, including requirements for human intervention and operational design domains.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement that Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles may only be used on public highways if the Department of Transportation establishes specific limitations through rulemaking.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the eligibility for vehicle use by explicitly authorizing Level 1, 2, and 3 systems on public highways without additional restrictions, while placing Level 4 and 5 systems under a conditional approval process.

SB0067_1(8).pdf → SB0067_2.pdf · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten to rename the legislation from the 'Autonomous Vehicle Act' to the 'Montana Automated Driving Systems Act' and to align the text with standard legislative formatting. The core policy regarding the use of Level 1 through Level 5 vehicles on public highways remains substantively unchanged, though the specific wording for Level 4 and 5 eligibility was reorganized into a single section.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on regulating automated vehicles on state public highways, but the text was restructured to separate definitions and usage rules more clearly.

DEFINITION

The short title was changed from 'Montana Autonomous Vehicle Act' to 'Montana Automated Driving Systems Act'.

The purpose section was reworded to emphasize making Montana a 'showcase' for new transportation technologies.

The definitions section was reorganized and renumbered, changing the numbering of specific terms like 'Automated driving system' and 'Dynamic driving task'.

REQUIREMENT

The section governing the use of Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles was consolidated and reworded, though the requirement for department rulemaking remains.

TECHNICAL

The bill header and page markers were updated to reflect the new bill number (SB0067.2) and corrected formatting inconsistencies.

LC0179.pdf → SB0067_1.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill text was renumbered from LC 0179 to SB 67.1, indicating a shift from a committee draft to a formal Senate bill. A new requirement was added mandating that any person sitting in the driver's seat of a fully autonomous vehicle must meet specific criteria, likely related to supervision or readiness.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on autonomous vehicle regulations, but the addition of a specific mandate for the driver's seat introduces a new operational requirement for vehicle occupants.

REQUIREMENT

A new provision requiring a person in the driver's seat of a fully autonomous vehicle to fulfill an unspecified obligation, likely ensuring human oversight.

TECHNICAL

The bill identifier was updated from LC 0179 to SB 67.1, and page headers were changed to reflect the Senate bill status.

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