The bill amends Alaska's vehicle regulations to include specific provisions for autonomous vehicles. It establishes that any autonomous vehicle registered in the state must comply with federal standards and cannot engage in interstate commerce unless it is for personal use or has a human safety operator present who can monitor and intervene in the vehicle's operation. The bill also outlines the qualifications required for a human safety operator and sets forth liability rules in the event of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle, placing the presumption of liability on the human safety operator unless evidence suggests that the vehicle's software, hardware, or modifications caused the incident.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to autonomous technology and driving automation, including "autonomous vehicle," "conditional driving automation," "high driving automation," and "full driving automation." It clarifies that certain driver assistance systems do not qualify as autonomous technology. The legislation is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
SB0148A, AM SB 148, introduced 03/28/2025: