In one paragraph
Kentucky's HB 223 (2026 session) would have amended KRS 186.763 to bar school districts from operating a fully autonomous vehicle as a school bus or using one to transport students, and to bar operating a fully autonomous vehicle on state highways if it requires an operator with a commercial driver's license. It would also have amended the truck platooning statute (KRS 281.764) to require an endorsed commercial driver behind the wheel of each vehicle in a platoon, not only the lead vehicle. Referred to House Transportation January 14, 2026; died when the session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have barred school districts from using fully autonomous vehicles for student transport, barred autonomous vehicles that need a CDL operator, and required a driver in every platooning truck.
Key provisions
- A school district may not operate a fully autonomous vehicle as a school bus or use one to transport students for any purpose (KRS 186.763(4))
- A fully autonomous vehicle may not be operated on state highways if it requires an operator with a commercial driver's license (KRS 186.763(5))
- Driverless operation requires the automated driving system to be engaged, minimal risk condition after failures, and compliance with traffic laws unless the Transportation Cabinet grants an exemption
- Before driverless operation, a law enforcement interaction plan must go to the Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky State Police
- Platooning (KRS 281.764): an endorsed driver with a valid commercial driver's license would have to be behind the wheel of each commercial motor vehicle in a platoon, instead of only the lead vehicle (Sec. 2)
- No effective-date clause in the text; referred to Transportation (H) January 14, 2026; died at the end of the session
Latest legislative action
Jan 14, 2026. to Transportation (H); died when the Kentucky General Assembly's 2026 regular session ended April 15, 2026
Sponsors (showing 5 of 11)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| A. Tackett Laferty | Primary |
| B. Chester-Burton | Primary |
| C. Freeland | Primary |
| D. Graham | Primary |
| J. Blanton | Primary |
Roll call votes
Passage Feb 26, 2025
95 yea0 nay5 otherPassed
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error