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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution in favor of Senate Bill 915 (SB 915), legislation that empowers local governments in California to regulate autonomous vehicles (AVs). This landmark decision aligns with the Teamsters Union’s advocacy for the CARS legislative package, which prioritizes public safety and good jobs in the AV industry.
“SB 915 is a common-sense approach that prioritizes safety,” said Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. “We commend the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for their unanimous support and thank Supervisors Lindsay Horvath and Janice Hahn for championing this crucial resolution.”
See also: California Legislates on Autonomous Vehicles
Concerns over AV safety and oversight
The resolution comes amid growing concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Incidents involving Waymo’s robotaxis, such as running over pedestrians, blocking emergency responders, and near-collisions with children, have highlighted the need for stricter regulations. Despite these incidents, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have been hesitant to implement significant safety measures.
Local control as the solution
SB 915 empowers local communities to take charge of autonomous vehicle regulations. “Local cities and counties know their communities best and are equipped to regulate traffic, zoning, and construction,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This bill grants them the authority to establish and enforce regulations specific to their unique needs, ensuring the safe integration of AVs into their communities.”
Teamsters Union’s stance
The Teamsters Union, representing over 1.3 million workers, strongly supports SB 915 and the CARS legislative package. They believe that local control is essential for protecting public safety and ensuring fair labor practices in the AV industry.
Call to action
The Teamsters urge all California elected officials to prioritize public safety and good jobs by supporting the passage of SB 915. This legislation represents a critical step towards ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AVs in California.
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