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HD 2268

An Act regulating insurance coverage for testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles and establishing school zone safety protocol

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Francisco Paulino

Massachusetts bill requiring autonomous vehicle insurance coverage and mandating enhanced safety protocols in school zones to address liability gaps and protect pedestrians.

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Bill Summary · HD 2268

Legislative bill overview

HD 2268 establishes regulatory requirements for insurance coverage of autonomous vehicles (AVs) undergoing testing and deployment in Massachusetts, while implementing specific safety protocols for school zones. The bill creates a framework requiring insurers to provide adequate coverage for AV testing operations and mandates enhanced safety measures when AVs operate near schools.

Why is this important

As autonomous vehicle technology advances, questions about liability and insurance responsibility remain unresolved—this bill addresses a significant gap by clarifying who bears financial responsibility if an AV causes harm during testing or operation. School zone protections are particularly important given the vulnerability of child pedestrians and the need to build public confidence in AV technology through demonstrated safety measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Requiring comprehensive AV coverage may increase insurance premiums for manufacturers and operators, potentially slowing AV deployment and innovation in Massachusetts
  • School zone restrictions: Defining "school zone" boundaries and operational limitations could be overly restrictive or create uneven safety standards depending on implementation details
  • Liability allocation: The bill's approach to determining fault and coverage responsibility between insurers, manufacturers, and operators may favor one party over others, creating industry resistance or unfair risk distribution
  • Testing vs. commercial use distinction: Unclear regulatory boundaries between permitted testing and commercial deployment could create compliance confusion and enforcement challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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