Newsom Vetoes Bill to Require Drivers in Autonomous Trucks

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed legislation on Friday to require drivers in autonomous trucks, a major priority for the labor movement that views emerging driverless technologies as an existential threat to the jobs of union members.

Driverless trucks are not yet operating on state roads and it is not clear when the state might permit the testing of such vehicles. But autonomous vehicle manufacturers argued the bill (A.B. 316) would stifle the industry in California and send it elsewhere.

The debate placed Newsom in an awkward political position. The governor has long been an ally of the ...