[AutonomousVehicles] Self Drive Act in Congress

[Cornelius Butler]

Here is in-depth info on an important piece of legislation  currently
progressing through congress regarding autonomous vehicles. This deals with
creating a national frame work.

The legislation often referred to as the *"SAFE Drive Act"* is officially
the *SELF DRIVE Act of 2026* (H.R. 7390). It is formally titled the *Safely
Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research in Vehicle Evolution Act*.
*Current Status*

   -

   *Formal Introduction:* The bill was officially introduced in the U.S.
   House of Representatives on *February 5, 2026*, by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH)
   and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
   -

   *Committee Progress:* It has been referred to the *House Committee on
   Energy and Commerce* and the *House Committee on Foreign Affairs*. As of
   March 2026, it is undergoing committee review and stakeholder hearings.
   -

   *Legislative Path:* Lawmakers are exploring the possibility of
   incorporating the act into the *2026 Surface Transportation
   Reauthorization* bill, which would provide a more certain path to
   passage before the end of the current session.

------------------------------
*Comprehensive Breakdown of the Bill*

The SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 is designed to create a unified federal
framework for the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs).
*Key Feature* *Detailed Explanation*
*Federal Preemption* Explicitly prohibits states from enacting laws that
restrict the design or performance of AVs. This is intended to eliminate
the "patchwork" of 34+ different state regulations.
*Safety Cases* Manufacturers must submit a "safety case"—a data-backed
argument—to NHTSA proving their system is safe before large-scale
deployment.
*SAE Levels 3-5* The bill specifically codifies and regulates *Levels 3, 4,
and 5* automation, where the system handles the majority or all of the
driving tasks.
*Revenue for Testing* For the first time, the bill allows autonomous trucks
to generate revenue (transport freight for pay) while still in the "testing
and evaluation" phase.
*Safety Data Repository* Establishes a *National Automated Vehicle Safety
Data Repository*. Manufacturers must report serious crashes within 30 days
of the incident.
*Cybersecurity* Mandates that manufacturers develop and maintain written
cybersecurity plans to protect vehicle control systems from unauthorized
access.
------------------------------
*Direct Links to News Articles*

   -

   *Official Press Release (Rep. Bob Latta):*
   https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406708
   -

   *ACT News (Policy Analysis):*
   https://www.act-news.com/news/congress-formalizes-av-framework/
   -

   *FreightWaves (Impact on Trucking):*
   https://www.freightwaves.com/news/self-driving-bill-greenlights-revenue-generating-rigs
   -

   *Sidley Austin LLP (Legal Briefing):*
   https://environmentalhealthsafetybrief.sidley.com/2026/01/08/members-of-congress-propose-a-new-bill-to-regulate-autonomous-vehicles/
   -

   *Upstream Auto (Industry Commentary):*
   https://upstream.auto/blog/the-self-drive-act-returns-why-congress-is-taking-another-shot-at-av-regulation/

*YouTube News Coverage*

   -

   *FreightWaves Morning Minute (Legislative Update):*
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNB90_FhXrw
   -

   *Senate Committee on Commerce (Hearing Recording):*
   https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/4B417566-2E6B-4460-B38E-1D745F2146C7
   (Note: This is a direct video/file link from the Senate committee's
   archive).
   -

   *General News Coverage of AV Standards (News4):*
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM19SZTozzE
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