Bill banning driverless trucks awaiting Newsom’s signature

The California Senate passed a bill Monday that bans driverless autonomous trucks from operating on public roads, TechCrunch reported.

If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the bill would require a trained human safety operator be present any time an autonomous truck is on the road. AB 316 passed the Senate floor with 36 votes in favor and two against it.

However, Newsom “has a reputation for being friendly to the tech industry and is expected to veto AB 316,” Tech Crunch noted.

In August, Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Newsom, wrote a letter opposing the bill. She stated that AB 316 “undermines existing oversight” and could “limit supply chain innovation and application.”