Some good news for Californians concerned about autonomous vehicle safety: The Assembly has advanced SB 1246 (Cortese), which, if Governor Newsom signs the bill, would establish statewide standards for remote autonomous vehicle (AV) operations, strengthen communication with first responders, and enhance support for local emergency personnel responding when AVs block traffic or interfere with emergency services.

This landmark legislation would also empower local jurisdictions to impose fines on AV companies for interfering with first responders. This bill would be a victory for public-safety advocates, first responders, and local governments.

SEIU California released the following statement from Theresa Rutherford, President of SEIU 1021 and Executive Board Member of SEIU California, following the Assembly vote: 

“Our communities need clear, consistent standards to ensure that AVs never get in the way of first responders or put public safety at risk. First responders should not be roadside assistance to AV corporations’ fleets. San Francisco has already seen firsthand how AVs can contribute to gridlock, including during the city’s 4th of July celebrations and the citywide power outage in December. SB 1246 gives cities and counties the authority to hold AV corporations accountable when their vehicles delay emergency services and ensures local communities have a voice in how this technology operates on our roads.”