AV Accessibility Act

This bill requires states to ensure autonomous vehicle (AV) licensing doesn't discriminate against people with disabilities, aligning with existing civil rights law. It mandates a National Academies study to identify physical infrastructure changes - like curb designs, dedicated pickup zones, and non-visual access tools - that would help individuals with disabilities safely access driverless ride-hail vehicles during pickup and dropoff. The study, funded by $5 million, focuses on practical solutions for navigating sidewalks, curbs, and vehicle entry/exit. The bill directly affects people with disabilities using AV services, states issuing vehicle licenses, and ride-hail companies operating driverless vehicles.