As the Iowa Legislature navigates the accelerating reality of autonomous vehicles, State Representative Megan Jones (R-Sioux Rapids) is seeking a delicate balance between technological innovation and public safety. But the current state of the bill may create a regulatory framework that inadvertently bans them entirely.
Speaking on The Iowa Podcast, Jones, who chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee, addressed the evolution of bills like HF 2375, HSB 598, HF 2673, which aim to define the “rules of the road” for driverless technology in the Hawkeye State.
Jones expressed a notable degree of caution regarding the current reliability of the technology, admitting, “I just don’t know if we’re quite ready for all of this, if the technology really isn’t there or if the technology is overcorrecting.”
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Hazardous materials and autonomous vehicles in Iowa
While some initial legislative drafts were seen as overly restrictive, Jones emphasizes that the current focus is on managing high-risk scenarios, such as the transport of hazardous materials by commercial vehicles. But the bill doesn’t define hazardous materials, meaning there would be a legal grey area on what can actually be transported.
”When I envisioned this bill, I was, we were thinking more of like the tanker trucks.” Jones said. “I’m not so much concerned about the gallon of bleach that leaks. I’m concerned about the tanker truck, that’s basically a missile that’s driving down I-35.”
Liability in Iowa for autonomous vehicles
The legislator also highlighted the administrative hurdles of regulating a field that shifts almost weekly. One area of significant uncertainty remains the “legal gray area” regarding liability during autonomous operation. Under current versions of the bill, liability would always fall to the owner. This would apply in scenarios where a family member may be borrowing the vehicle, choosing to operate it in autonomous mode, or if vehicle breaks due to manufacturer problems.
Jones appears open to refining the legislative language to protect innocent owners, noting, “maybe we need to clarify some language there just to, to ensure that there are some protections for people who just happen to be in autonomous mode.”
Despite the complexities, Jones remains committed to a deliberate, Iowan-centered process. Rather than rushing into permanent standards, she indicated a preference for observation: “we’re just gonna have this discussion, see where it goes, see where Iowans wanna be.” she said indicating she’s open to feedback.”