HB 1984 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning vehicle and operator requirements for autonomous vehicles.

HB 1984 establishes safety requirements for autonomous vehicles operating in Washington. It mandates that all autonomous vehicles must meet federal safety standards and require a human safety operator physically present to monitor and intervene during operation - similar to a licensed driver. The bill defines "autonomous vehicle" as those with advanced automation (levels 3-5) or the capability to steer and change lanes independently. It also creates reporting rules for testing companies, requiring them to notify law enforcement, report collisions or violations, and submit annual safety summaries to the legislature. These provisions apply to both current testing and future commercial operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.
lower
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors