AN ACT relating to autonomous vehicles.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ashley Laferty

HB 223 creates or updates Kentucky’s regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, including safety standards, operation permits, data reporting, and local flexibility.

to Transportation (H)

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Summary of HB 223 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 223 is an act relating to autonomous vehicles. While the available action history does not include the full text, the bill’s title and typical scope indicate it aims to establish or modify regulatory frameworks for the operation, testing, deployment, and oversight of autonomous (self-driving) vehicles within Kentucky. The intent is generally to provide legal clarity, safety standards, and process guidance for autonomous vehicle activities in the state.

Key provisions and changes (as characteristic for autonomous-vehicle legislation)

Regulatory framework: Creates or updates requirements governing autonomous vehicle operations, potentially including definitions (e.g., autonomous vehicle, automated driving system), operator eligibility, and vehicle classification.

Safety and testing standards: Establishes safety criteria that autonomous vehicles must meet to operate on public roadways, possibly including standards for calibration, functional safety, cybersecurity, and incident reporting.

Certification and oversight: May outline a process for certification, registration, or permit issuance for autonomous vehicle deployments, fleets, or testing programs, along with authorities responsible for oversight (state or local agencies).

Data and reporting: Could specify data collection, privacy, and reporting obligations related to autonomous vehicle operations, including incident and disengagement reporting requirements.

Liability and responsibility: Addresses allocation of liability in the event of crashes or damages involving autonomous vehicles, and may clarify responsibilities of manufacturers, operators, or service providers.

Local flexibility: May permit or regulate local jurisdictions to enact additional rules or pilot programs, within state standards, to support autonomous-vehicle innovation while maintaining safety.

Consumer and public interests: Aims to protect the public, ensure accessibility, and support a regulatory environment that balances innovation with road-safety considerations.

Who would be affected

Vehicle manufacturers and developers of autonomous driving technology.

Operators testing or deploying autonomous vehicles (companies, fleets, or service providers).

Vehicle owners and passengers using autonomous vehicles.

State and local government agencies responsible for transportation safety, registration, permitting, and enforcement.

Law enforcement and first responders who may require training or access to vehicle data in the event of incidents.

Public at large, particularly road users who share Kentucky roadways with autonomous vehicles.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: HB 223 was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on January 7, 2026, and quickly referred to the Committee on Committees (H) for internal processing.

Settlement of jurisdiction: From there, the bill would typically move to the Transportation Committee (as indicated by the 2026-01-14 action “to Transportation (H)”) for hearings, amendments, and possible passage.

Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through standard state legislative stages (committee hearings, floor votes in the House, potential reconciliation with the Senate version, and, if approved, ceremonial signing by the governor or veto).

Notes

The provided information covers the bill’s high-level purpose and likely scope based on its title and standard autonomous-vehicle legislation components. For a precise summary of specific provisions, sections, fiscal impact, and exact regulatory language, the full bill text and fiscal note would be required.