This bill amends existing laws regarding commercial motor vehicle licensing examinations and introduces regulations for autonomous vehicles in Alaska. A significant change is made to AS 28.33.100, where a new subsection (j) allows applicants who do not successfully complete a driving test to only retake the failed or incomplete portions, rather than the entire test. Additionally, a new section, AS 28.90.050, is added to establish specific requirements for autonomous vehicles, including compliance with federal standards, restrictions on transporting goods and passengers based on vehicle weight and design, and the necessity of having a human safety operator present in the vehicle, except for certain commercial vehicles.

The bill also defines various terms related to autonomous technology and outlines the conditions under which autonomous vehicles may operate. It specifies that personal delivery devices with certain characteristics are exempt from these regulations. Furthermore, in the event of a civil action involving an autonomous vehicle accident, the determination of fault and damages will follow existing state law. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
HB0217A, AM HB 217, introduced 05/02/2025:
HB0217B, AM CSHB 217(TRA), introduced 03/25/2026:
HB0217C, AM CSHB 217(CRA), introduced 04/16/2026:
HB0217D, AM CSHB 217(CRA) am, introduced 04/29/2026: 28.33.100
HB0217E, AM SCS HB 217(TRA), introduced 05/13/2026: 28.33.100