HI HB1797: Relating To Autonomous Vehicles.

In one paragraph

Hawaii's HB 1797 HD 1 (2026) would have required any automated vehicle that a motor carrier uses to transport passengers to have a supervisor on board at all times, with the carrier ensuring each supervisor is licensed and running a training program. It would also have created an income tax credit of 35% of qualified training expenses. It passed second reading in the House February 10, 2026 and was referred to CPC, but was not enacted.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill did not pass. It would have required motor carriers running passenger automated vehicles to keep a licensed supervisor on board and train them.

Key provisions

1. 1Would add a section to HRS chapter 286: an automated vehicle used by a motor carrier to transport passengers must have a supervisor on board at all times
2. 2Motor carrier would have to ensure each supervisor is properly licensed to operate the vehicle and establish a program training each supervisor on its operation, capabilities and limitations
3. 3Supervisor: a human driver on board who performs in real time part or all of the dynamic driving task; automated driving system and automated vehicle would be defined
4. 4Tax credit: 35% of qualified training expenses, capped at $10,000 per taxpayer per year and $1,000,000 in total per year, carried forward up to five years
5. 5No penalty provision; Act written to take effect July 1, 3000 with the credit for taxable years after December 31, 2026, and repeal December 31, 2036

Latest legislative action

Feb 10, 2026. Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).

Sponsors (showing 5 of 34)

Roll call votes