SB 2425 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the regulation of automated motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense.

SB 2425 would establish a regulatory framework for automated motor vehicles (self-driving cars) in Texas by defining key terms like "automated driving system" (Level 3-5 automation per SAE standards) and requiring authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for operators. The bill creates a criminal offense related to the operation of these vehicles, though specific violations aren't detailed in the provided text. It would directly affect companies and individuals operating self-driving cars by mandating departmental approval, setting operational standards, and defining responsibilities for the "dynamic driving task" (e.g., steering, braking, and lane changes).

Issues: ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

May 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 13, 2025 Last action May 26, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 6 edits · Apr 16, 2025

MODERATE

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for automated motor vehicles in Texas, including definitions, operational requirements, authorization processes, and enforcement mechanisms. It creates new provisions for Level 3, 4, and 5 automation standards and adds specific rules for commercial use and transportation network companies.

Scope change

The bill expands regulatory scope to include all levels of automation (Level 3-5) and extends applicability to transportation network companies and commercial operations using automated vehicles.

DEFINITION

Added definitions for Level 3, 4, and 5 automation standards based on SAE International Standard J3016, replacing previous Level 4 and 5 definitions.

REQUIREMENT

Added new requirements for automated vehicles to include recording devices, compliance with federal safety standards, and capability to achieve minimal risk conditions during system failures.

ELIGIBILITY

Created authorization process for commercial use of automated vehicles without human drivers, requiring emergency service interaction plans and ongoing compliance reporting.

ENFORCEMENT

Established enforcement procedures including notice of intent for suspension, appeal processes, and expedited hearings for authorization holders.

TIMELINE

Set December 1, 2025 deadline for rule adoption by state agencies, with compliance required 90 days after rules take effect.

SCOPE

Extended applicability to transportation network companies and modified requirements for automated vehicles used in ride-sharing services.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 23, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee report sent to Calendars

lower

May 23, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee report distributed

lower

May 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

lower

Apr 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

Left pending in committee

lower

Apr 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

lower

Apr 22, 2025

Committee

Referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency

lower

Apr 22, 2025

Introduced

Read first time

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Introduced

Received from the Senate

lower

Apr 16, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed

upper

Apr 16, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed to engrossment as amended

upper

Apr 16, 2025

Upper · Passed

Amended

upper

Apr 16, 2025

Introduced

Amendment(s) offered

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee report printed and distributed

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported favorably as substituted

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Vote taken in committee

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Testimony taken in committee

upper

Mar 19, 2025

Committee

Referred to Transportation

upper

Mar 19, 2025

Introduced

Read first time

upper

2 primary · 1 co-sponsor