Senators have been negotiating for over a year to pass a bill that would pave the way for a regulatory framework that would govern autonomous cars. As the end of the year approaches, lawmakers are launching one last push to pass comprehensive legislation.

The AV START Act is sponsored by the Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD), but hasn’t moved onto the floor after Democrats like Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) voiced concerns about the bill. The opposing lawmakers cited frustrations over safety standards, privacy, and whether consumers should be forced into private arbitration over legal complaints. Many of those concerns have since been addressed, according to an updated bill text and summary…

Continue reading…