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The Oakland City Council has officially endorsed Senate Bill 915 (SB 915), signaling strong local government support for legislation granting California cities and counties the authority to regulate autonomous vehicles (AVs). This move aligns with the Teamsters Union’s efforts to ensure public safety and job security amidst the rise of AV technology. Notably, SB 915 is a key component of the broader CARS legislative initiative, garnering bipartisan backing and mirroring actions taken by Los Angeles and San Mateo Counties.
SB 915 gains momentum as more local bodies advocate for the right to oversee AV operations within their jurisdictions. This legislative push comes amid increasing regulatory concerns over AV safety. The California Public Utilities Commission recently halted Waymo‘s expansion plans in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties, following a software malfunction that led to multiple accidents.
See also: L.A. County Backs Local Control of Autonomous Vehicles
“The Teamsters commend the Oakland City Council for their overwhelming support for SB 915. As autonomous vehicles continue to wreak havoc on California roads, California’s elected leaders across both sides of the aisle are standing up for this bill because it’s past time we put safety and good jobs first,” stated Peter Finn, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7. He emphasized the urgent need to prioritize community safety over technological advancement.
Introduced by State Sen. Dave Cortese, SB 915 emerges in response to growing concerns over AV-related incidents, including pedestrian accidents and operational hazards. Despite these challenges, regulatory bodies have been slow to adopt comprehensive safety regulations for AVs.
Teamsters Joint Council 7, representing a diverse workforce across Northern California and beyond, plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that safeguard both employment opportunities and public welfare in the face of rapid technological change.
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