In one paragraph
Tennessee's HB1168 (114th General Assembly), as introduced, would have amended Code § 55-30-103 so that an automated-driving-system (ADS) vehicle used to transport property for hire or compensation in interstate commerce, or passengers for hire or compensation, could not operate on Tennessee roads with the ADS engaged unless a licensed human driver sits in the driver's seat, monitors the vehicle at all times and can take control. Companion: SB 0310. Not passed before the session ended in April 2026; last action: Assigned to s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee (March 17, 2026).
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Not law. If enacted, ADS operators hauling freight for hire in interstate commerce or carrying passengers for hire would have had to keep a licensed, attentive human driver in the driver's seat on Tennessee roads.
Key provisions
- Current § 55-30-103 lets an ADS-operated vehicle operate with the ADS engaged without a human driver physically present if conditions are met; the bill would make that subject to a new subsection (b)
- ADS vehicles used to transport property for hire or compensation in interstate commerce, or to transport passengers for hire or compensation, would need a human driver in the driver's seat
- That driver would have to monitor the vehicle's performance at all times, be able to intervene to take physical control if necessary, and hold a valid license for the vehicle type or class; the vehicle must also meet the existing subsection (a) conditions
- As introduced, the act would have taken effect July 1, 2025
- Status: the House Transportation Committee recommended passage if amended and referred it to Finance, Ways, and Means, where it was assigned to subcommittee on March 17, 2026; not passed before the 114th General Assembly ended in April 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 17, 2026. Assigned to s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bowling | Primary |
| Forgety | Primary |
| Glynn | Primary |
| Harris | Primary |
| Kyle | Primary |
Roll call votes
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee 3/17/2026 Passed Mar 17, 2026
19 yea0 nayPassed
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE: Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Transportation Committee 3/10/2026 Passed Mar 10, 2026
8 yea1 nayPassed
Amendments (1)
-
HA0701 Not adopted 2026-03-18
Topics and industries
Related topics
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