Transportation (Autonomous Vehicles)

HF 2673 prohibits driverless-capable vehicles from operating without a human driver when transporting hazardous materials in Iowa. It specifically applies to vehicles carrying substances defined as hazardous materials under state law (substances posing unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transport). The bill amends existing law to require a conventional human driver to be physically present in the vehicle during all operations involving hazardous materials, overriding previous allowances for driverless operation. Violating this provision is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $105-$855 fine. This applies directly to companies and operators using autonomous vehicles for hazmat transport within Iowa.

HF 2375 requires a human driver to be physically present in self-driving vehicles used for commercial purposes (like delivery services or ride-hailing) in Iowa, while allowing driverless operation for personal use. The human driver must monitor the vehicle, intervene manually if needed (including stopping the vehicle), hold a valid driver's license with required commercial endorsements (like a CDL), and follow all vehicle safety laws. This directly affects commercial operators of autonomous vehicles, ensuring human oversight during operations. The bill builds on existing Iowa law that already permits driverless vehicles without humans for personal use, adding this specific requirement for commercial applications.

SF 2384 allows driverless-capable vehicles to operate on Iowa roads without a human driver present, provided they meet safety standards, can handle malfunctions, and comply with traffic laws. It specifically prohibits such vehicles from transporting hazardous materials without a human driver. The bill makes vehicle owners legally responsible for accidents, injuries, property damage, or traffic violations occurring while the automated system is engaged. Modifications to the vehicle's automated system without the manufacturer's consent also create liability, unless the owner directed the change. This clarifies and shifts liability from manufacturers to owners for operation-related incidents.

This bill allows driverless-capable vehicles to operate on Iowa's public roads without a human driver present, provided they meet safety standards, comply with traffic laws, and have manufacturer certification. It specifically requires a human driver for vehicles transporting hazardous materials, with violations treated as a simple misdemeanor. The bill makes the vehicle owner legally responsible for injuries, property damage, or traffic violations occurring during automated operation, and holds modifiers of the automated system liable unless the owner directed the modification. These changes clarify liability for owners and ensure safety compliance without altering existing federal safety standards.

HSB 598 allows driverless-capable vehicles to operate on Iowa public roads without a human driver present, provided they meet safety conditions like achieving a "minimal risk condition" during malfunctions, complying with traffic laws, and being certified by the manufacturer. It specifically prohibits driverless operation for vehicles transporting hazardous materials, requiring a human driver in those cases. The bill establishes that the vehicle owner is liable for injuries, property damage, or traffic violations occurring when the automated system is engaged. Modifications to the automated driving system without the manufacturer's consent also create liability, unless the owner directed the change.

HF 87 establishes rules for public access to vertiports - infrastructure for landing and takeoff of vertical take-off aircraft used for passenger and cargo services. The bill requires local authorities to ensure equitable access and prohibits exclusive rights for vertiport operators, preventing monopolies or discrimination. It mandates compliance with federal aviation design standards and requires operators to submit layout plans to the FAA before operations begin. The law also gives injured parties the right to sue for damages if the bill's requirements are violated. This applies to any public-use vertiport authorized by federal agencies for interstate services.