2020 Senate Bill 892

Make rules for ‘semi-autonomous personal delivery devices’ ('R2D2')

Introduced in the Senate

April 28, 2020

Introduced by Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-25)

To establish regulations allowing for-profit “business entities” to use semi-autonomous “personal delivery devices” to make deliveries on roads and sidewalks. The bill defines these as devices for transporting cargo on sidewalks or on the side or shoulder of a roadway “with the remote support and supervision of a human.” The bill would require that a human “monitor the personal delivery device while it is being operated and, if necessary, promptly take control.” It establishes that these are not “vehicles” subject to licensure, prescribes required safety equipment and specific “rules-of-the-road” (and sidewalks), addresses user liability issues and more. Among other things, a businesses would be liable for damages caused by the devices, unless the employee (“agent”) actually operating used it “outside the scope of the agent's authority”.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

June 25, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 10, 2020

Passed in the Senate 22 to 16 (details)

To establish regulations allowing semi-autonomous “personal delivery devices” to make deliveries on roads and sidewalks. The bill defines these as devices for transporting cargo on sidewalks or on the side or shoulder of a roadway “with the remote support and supervision of a human.” The bill would require that a human operator monitor the device and be able to promptly take control. It establishes that these are not “vehicles” subject to licensure, prescribes required safety equipment and specific “rules-of-the-road” (and sidewalks), addresses user liability issues and more. Local government regulation would be preempted, but local authorities could choose to ban the devices, with some exceptions.

Received in the House

Sept. 10, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Transportation