[NFBMO] Autonomous Vehicle proposals

Gary Wunder gwunder at earthlink.net
Tue Dec 9 23:24:11 UTC 2025 

Here's what I found on the official Missouri House and Senate sites as of
December 9, 2025. These are bills introduced for the 2025 session as well as
the upcoming one:

 

 

Missouri House of Representatives

1. HB 1166 (2025 Regular Session) - "Establishes provisions relating to
autonomous vehicles"

*	Chamber / Session: House, 2025 Regular Session
*	Sponsor: Rep. Don Mayhew
*	Status: Introduced Feb. 3, 2025; referred to the House Emerging
Issues Committee on May 15, 2025. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=18266873&SessionType=
R> )

What it does (in plain language):

HB 1166 is a full framework bill for autonomous and fully driverless
vehicles in Missouri. The current official Senate summary (for this House
bill) says it: (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=18266873&SessionType=
R> )

*	Defines key terms such as "automated driving system," "dynamic
driving task," "dynamic driving task fallback," and "fully autonomous
vehicle."
*	Allows fully driverless operation: A fully autonomous vehicle may
operate on public roads without a human driver if:

*	The system can get the vehicle to a minimal-risk condition if
something fails.
*	It can follow Missouri traffic and safety laws, unless granted an
official exemption.
*	It carries the required federal certification label where federal
law requires it.

*	Law-enforcement interaction plan: Before operating without a human
driver, the operator must file a law-enforcement plan with the Department of
Public Safety, explaining things like how officers identify the vehicle is
in autonomous mode, how to remove/tow it, and how to contact support.
*	Legal "driver" status: When the automated driving system is engaged,
it is legally treated as:

*	The driver for purposes of traffic law, and
*	Licensed to operate the vehicle.

*	Insurance and crash rules:

*	Proof of financial responsibility must be filed with the Department
of Revenue before operating without a human driver.
*	Fully autonomous vehicles must remain at the scene of a crash as
current law requires, and crashes must be reported by or on behalf of the
owner.

*	On-demand AV networks: Authorizes an on-demand autonomous vehicle
network (like a driverless taxi or delivery service) to operate under the
same general rules as taxis/for-hire services, except for provisions that
only make sense for a human driver.
*	Registration / title: Requires fully autonomous vehicles to be
registered and titled as such.
*	Commercial AVs: Allows fully autonomous commercial vehicles to
operate under commercial motor-vehicle law, except for requirements that
only apply to human drivers.
*	Statewide preemption: Bars state agencies, cities, and other local
bodies from banning or separately regulating fully autonomous vehicles,
automated driving systems, or on-demand AV networks beyond what this bill
provides. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=18266873&SessionType=
R> )

  _____  

2. HB 2069 (2026 Regular Session - Prefiled) - "Establishes provisions
relating to autonomous vehicles"

*	Chamber / Session: House, 2026 Regular Session (Second Regular
Session of the 103rd General Assembly)
*	Sponsor: Rep. Brandon Phelps (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://house.mo.gov/MemberDetails.aspx?district=054&year=2025&utm_source=c
hatgpt.com> )
*	Status: Prefiled Dec. 1, 2025. (FastDemocracy
<https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/mo/2026/bills/MOB00026440/?utm_source
=chatgpt.com> )

What it does:

HB 2069 is substantively a re-run of the HB 1166 framework, updating the
autonomous-vehicle chapter for the 2026 session. The bill text shows that
it: (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4899H.01I.
pdf> )

*	Adds nine new sections (304.920-304.932, RSMo) to create a
comprehensive AV chapter.
*	Defines automated driving system, dynamic driving task, dynamic
driving task fallback, fully autonomous vehicle (SAE Level 4/5),
minimal-risk condition, operational design domain, on-demand AV network, and
related terms.
*	Authorizes fully driverless operation on public roads if:

*	The vehicle can reach a minimal-risk condition after a system
failure.
*	It can operate in compliance with Missouri traffic and safety laws
when reasonable, unless DPS grants an exemption.
*	It carries the required federal safety-standard certification label
when federal law requires one.

*	Requires a law-enforcement interaction plan filed with DPS before
operating without a human driver (how to contact support, tow the vehicle,
recognize autonomous mode, and handle safety concerns).
*	Treats the automated driving system as the driver and as licensed
when engaged, for purposes of traffic law.
*	Requires proof of financial responsibility to be filed with the
Department of Revenue before driverless operation, and keeps existing duties
concerning crashes (stay on scene, report the crash).
*	Explicitly allows on-demand AV networks (driverless ride-hailing /
delivery) and fully autonomous commercial vehicles, with human-specific
rules waived where they no longer fit.
*	Exempts certain equipment requirements that only make sense when a
human is seated behind the wheel.
*	Preempts local regulation, making the new AV sections the exclusive
source of state law on fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving
systems and preventing local governments from adding their own AV-specific
fees, standards, or bans. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4899H.01I.
pdf> )

In short: HB 2069 is a pro-deployment bill that would legalize and
standardize fully driverless operation statewide and block local governments
from imposing their own separate AV rules.

  _____  

3. HB 2208 (2026 Regular Session - Prefiled) - "Establishes provisions
relating to autonomous vehicles"

*	Chamber / Session: House, 2026 Regular Session
*	Sponsor: Rep. Don Mayhew (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://house.mo.gov/billlist.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com> )
*	Status: Prefiled Dec. 5, 2025. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2208&code=R&style=new&year=202
6&utm_source=chatgpt.com> )

What it does:

HB 2208 is another AV framework bill, textually almost identical to HB 2069
(and to the earlier HB 1166). The bill text again adds sections
304.920-304.932 and lays out definitions, operating conditions, and
preemption. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )

Key points (paralleling HB 2069):

*	Detailed definitions for automated driving system, dynamic driving
task and fallback, fully autonomous vehicle (SAE Level 4/5), minimal-risk
condition, on-demand AV network, operational design domain, and request to
intervene. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )
*	Driverless operation allowed if:

*	The vehicle can reach a minimal-risk condition after system
failures.
*	It can meet traffic and safety laws when reasonable, unless exempted
by DPS.
*	It meets applicable federal safety-standard labeling requirements.

*	Requires a law-enforcement plan (contacting a fleet support person,
how to tow the car, how to tell when it is in autonomous mode, and any extra
safety information). (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )
*	The automated driving system is legally treated as the driver and as
licensed when engaged; proof of financial responsibility must be filed
before operating without a human driver.
*	Crash obligations, on-demand AV networks, commercial AVs, and
equipment exemptions are handled essentially the same as HB 2069. (Missouri
House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )
*	Strong statewide preemption of local AV-specific rules, giving the
Department of Public Safety sole rulemaking authority for these new
sections. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )

Practically, HB 2069, HB 2208, and SB 1050 (below) form a coordinated pro-AV
package from different sponsors.

  _____  

4. HB 2240 (2026 Regular Session - Prefiled) - "Establishes certain
requirements relating to the operation of autonomous vehicles"

*	Chamber / Session: House, 2026 Regular Session
*	Sponsor: Rep. Adrian Plank (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2240&code=R&style=new&year=202
6&utm_source=chatgpt.com> )
*	Status: Prefiled Dec. 8, 2025. (LegiScan
<https://legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB2240/2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com> )

This one pulls in the opposite direction from the framework bills above.

>From the bill text: (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4690H.01I.
pdf> )

*	It rewrites section 304.012, the general careful-driving statute, to
require that every motor vehicle on Missouri roads have a licensed driver
physically present in the vehicle who can actively control the vehicle at
all times.
*	It creates a new section, 304.975, the "Autonomous Vehicle Public
Safety Act," which:

*	Defines "autonomous technology" and "autonomous vehicle", but
excludes common driver-assistance features (blind-spot detection, automatic
braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, etc.) unless those systems, alone or
together, let the car drive without active human monitoring. (Missouri House
of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4690H.01I.
pdf> )
*	Requires that any autonomous vehicle registered in Missouri meet all
state and federal motor-vehicle standards.
*	Restricts commercial use: An autonomous vehicle may not transport
goods or passengers in interstate commerce or for revenue unless:

*	A human operator is physically present in the vehicle, and
*	That person can monitor its performance and intervene, including
operating or shutting it off, and
*	That person meets all relevant federal and state licensing
requirements. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4690H.01I.
pdf> )

So, HB 2240 does not ban driver-assist features, but it effectively bars
fully driverless commercial AV operations in Missouri by requiring a
qualified human operator to be on board for anything beyond personal,
non-revenue use.

  _____  

Missouri Senate

5. SB 1050 (2026 Regular Session - Prefiled) - "Creates new provisions
governing autonomous vehicles"

*	Chamber / Session: Senate, 2026 Regular Session
*	Sponsor: Sen. Travis Fitzwater (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=277&SessionType=R> )
*	Status: Prefiled Dec. 1, 2025; effective-date line lists August 28,
2026. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=277&SessionType=R> )

What it does:

SB 1050 is the Senate companion to the House framework bills (especially HB
2069 / HB 2208). The official Senate summary says the act: (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=277&SessionType=R> )

*	Establishes new provisions governing how autonomous vehicles are
used in Missouri.
*	Allows fully autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads without
a human driver if:

*	The vehicle can reach a minimal-risk condition when the automated
driving system fails.
*	It can follow state traffic and safety laws when reasonable, unless
granted an exemption by the Department of Transportation.
*	Where required, it carries the federal certification label showing
compliance with federal motor-vehicle safety standards (including any NHTSA
exemptions).

*	Requires proof of insurance or self-insurance to be filed with the
Department of Commerce and Insurance before driverless operation, and
requires proper registration and titling.
*	Includes additional provisions for fully autonomous commercial motor
vehicles and on-demand AV networks.
*	Exempts fully autonomous vehicles that are designed to be operated
only by the automated system from certain equipment rules meant only for
human drivers (for example, items that assume someone is seated behind a
steering wheel).
*	Contains strong preemption language: state agencies and local
governments may not prohibit or separately regulate fully autonomous
vehicles, automated driving systems, or on-demand AV networks or impose
extra AV-specific taxes, fees, or performance standards beyond what this act
requires. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=277&SessionType=R> )

  _____  

Big Picture

Putting it together:

*	Enabling framework bills (allowing full driverless operation, with
state-level preemption and a law-enforcement plan requirement):

*	HB 1166 - 2025 House bill, stalled in committee but sets the model
framework. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=18266873&SessionType=
R> )
*	HB 2069 - 2026 House bill, same core framework, sponsored by Phelps.
(Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4899H.01I.
pdf> )
*	HB 2208 - 2026 House bill, same framework, re-introduced by Mayhew.
(Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5149H.01I.
pdf> )
*	SB 1050 - 2026 Senate companion, same policy direction in the upper
chamber. (Missouri Senate
<https://senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?BillID=277&SessionType=R> )

*	Restrictive safety bill (requires a human in the car and bars
driverless commercial use):

*	HB 2240 - 2026 House bill (Autonomous Vehicle Public Safety Act)
from Plank. (Missouri House of Representatives
<https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/4690H.01I.
pdf> )

So yes: both the Missouri House and Senate currently have bills on
autonomous / self-driving vehicles, and they represent competing
approaches-one set to open the door to fully driverless operation statewide,
and another to keep a licensed human operator in the loop, especially for
commercial use.

If you'd like, next step we can:

*	Contrast HB 2240 line-by-line with HB 2069 / SB 1050, or
*	Focus on how any of these might affect specific use cases
(robotaxis, delivery vehicles, long-haul trucks, etc.) in Missouri.

*	The Verge
<https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/20/24325996/nhtsa-av-step-autonomous-vehic
le-regulatory-framework?utm_source=chatgpt.com> 
*	AP News
<https://apnews.com/article/9685bb09f8045a36cd7e19a358257565?utm_source=chat
gpt.com> 
*	Business Insider
<https://www.businessinsider.com/josh-hawley-banning-self-driving-cars-2025-
9?utm_source=chatgpt.com> 

 

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