This bill amends Alaska's vehicle regulations to establish guidelines for the operation of autonomous vehicles. It mandates that any autonomous vehicle registered in the state must comply with federal standards and cannot be used for 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 human safety operators and establishes liability 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 or hardware was at fault.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to autonomous vehicles, including "autonomous technology," "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 aims to ensure safety and accountability in the use of autonomous vehicles while providing a framework for their operation on public highways. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0217A, AM HB 217, introduced 05/02/2025: