SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3877

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  NOVEMBER 8, 2021

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3877.

      As reported, this bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to establish a procedure for the application for and issuance of highly automated vehicle testing permits to test highly automated vehicles on public roadways in New Jersey. The commission is required to consult the Highly Automated Vehicle Interagency Advisory Committee in determining whether to approve or deny an application for a highly automated vehicle testing permit.

     The commission is required to issue a highly automated vehicle testing permit to a highly automated vehicle tester that holds valid approval from another state to test highly automated vehicles, provided that the standards and requirements established by the other state to test highly automated vehicles are similar to those established by the commission.

     The bill establishes the Highly Automated Vehicle Interagency Advisory Committee (committee) to encourage the safe testing of highly automated vehicles in New Jersey by fostering collaboration between State government and stakeholders and promoting public acceptance of highly automated vehicles. The committee is to study, examine, and review the testing and use of highly automated vehicles in New Jersey and to advise the Governor, Legislature, and various State agencies on policies, programs, research, and priorities to advance the use and testing of highly automated vehicles throughout the State. The committee is required to submit a report annually to the Governor and Legislature concerning its activities.