California Senate Votes to Require Drivers in Autonomous Trucks

Autonomous trucks would not be allowed to operate on California roads without drivers on board under legislation cleared by the state Senate on Monday.

Senators passed the bill (A.B. 316) by a vote of 36-2 after the Assembly approved the measure in May. The legislation heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), whose tech-friendly administration has signaled its opposition to the measure.

While there are no autonomous trucks currently operating on California’s roads, labor unions have made the measure a priority, arguing it will protect jobs in the transportation sector as the industry develops. The measure also comes ...