In one paragraph
Texas HB 3837 (2025), as introduced, would have created an Autonomous Vehicle Commission and required a permit for autonomous vehicles to operate on Texas highways, with an operating plan for emergency responders, a recording device, insurance, and collision reporting within 48 hours. An owner operating a vehicle in violation would have committed a Class A misdemeanor. It also covered deceptive 'self-driving' advertising. It died in committee when the session adjourned June 2, 2025.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
No duties for businesses because the bill died. Had it passed, autonomous vehicle owners and permit holders would have needed state permits, insurance, collision reporting and accurate self-driving advertising.
Key provisions
- Autonomous vehicle operation governed exclusively by state law; political subdivisions and agencies may not impose a franchise or other regulation
- An autonomous vehicle may not operate on a highway unless it holds a permit, has an emergency-services interaction plan, is registered with the commission, has a recording device, and is insured
- A permit holder must notify the commission of a collision not later than 48 hours after it and pay an annual fee set by commission rule
- An owner who operates an autonomous vehicle on a public highway in violation commits a Class A misdemeanor
- Deceptive Trade Practices Act: advertising a vehicle as autonomous or self-driving, or a product as converting a vehicle, unless it can operate at Level 4 or Level 5 automation
- Commission composed of 11 voting and 2 nonvoting members; compliance not required until January 1, 2026
- Effective immediately on a two-thirds vote, otherwise September 1, 2025; the bill died in committee
Latest legislative action
Apr 30, 2025. Left pending in committee; died when the 89th Legislature's regular session adjourned June 2, 2025
Sponsors (showing 5 of 7)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bailes | Primary |
| Canales | Primary |
| Coleman | Primary |
| Geren | Primary |
| Huberty | Primary |
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