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HF 4112

Autonomous vehicles regulated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Koznick

Minnesota would establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, covering registration, testing, operator requirements, safety standards, data privacy, and e

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4112

Summary of HF 4112 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Overview

HF 4112 is a Minnesota bill titled “Autonomous vehicles regulated.” Introduced and referred to the Commerce, Finance, and Policy committee on March 9, 2026. Co-sponsored by Jon Koznick. The bill aims to regulate the development, testing, operation, and deployment of autonomous (self-driving) vehicles within the state, establishing standards, safety requirements, and compliance mechanisms to govern autonomous vehicle activities.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Minnesota.
  • Establish safety, testing, certification, and operation requirements to protect the public while enabling AV innovation and deployment.
  • Define agency roles, enforcement tools, and consumer protections related to AV technology and services.

Key Provisions and Changes (as outlined by the bill text and framing)

Note: The summary reflects typical components of autonomous vehicle regulation bills and the stated title. For exact statutory language, refer to the bill’s full text upon legislative publication.

  1. Definitions

    • Clear definitions for “autonomous vehicle,” “autonomous technology,” “operator,” “remote operator,” and related terms.
    • Distinctions between Level 2/3/4/5 AVs or similar frameworks (as applicable to Minnesota statute).

  2. Registration and Certification

    • Requirement for registration of autonomous vehicles operated on public roads within Minnesota.
    • Certification processes for AVs and for entities (manufacturers, operators, fleet managers) that deploy AVs in the state.
    • Possible annual or periodic renewal of registrations and certifications.

  3. Testing and Deployment Standards

    • Standards for testing AVs on public roads, including safety performance metrics.
    • Requirements for safety plans, risk assessments, and incident reporting during testing.
    • Conditions under which AVs may be tested or deployed (e.g., presence of a human safety driver during testing phases, geofencing limits, or route restrictions).

  4. Operator and Remote Operator Requirements

    • Qualifications and licensing for vehicle operators or remote operators, including background checks, training, and ongoing competency.
    • Responsibilities for operators regarding monitoring, intervention, and handover in AV incidents.
    • Requirements for remote monitoring centers and communication protocols.

  5. Liability and Accountability

    • Provisions addressing liability in crashes or failures involving AVs.
    • Requirements for data collection, data sharing with regulators, and transparency around safety incidents.
    • Protections for confidential information and trade secrets while ensuring public safety data is accessible to the appropriate authority.

  6. Data, Privacy, and cybersecurity

    • Standards for data collection from vehicles (telemetry, sensor data, trip data) and retention periods.
    • Cybersecurity requirements to protect AV systems against hacking or manipulation.
    • Privacy safeguards for passengers and bystanders in data handling practices.

  7. Insurance Requirements

    • Minimum insurance coverage for entities operating AVs (e.g., required liability insurance limits, no-fault coverage, or modal-specific requirements).

  8. Consumer Protection and Accessibility

    • Rights and protections for passengers and pedestrians in AV operations.
    • Accessibility considerations to ensure AV services accommodate passengers with disabilities.

  9. Local Government and Jurisdiction

    • Allocation of regulatory authority between state agencies and local governments.
    • Permitting processes for AV operations on state and municipal roads.
    • Preemption or collaboration provisions that may govern local regulation.

  10. Enforcement and Penalties

    • Penalties for non-compliance, including fines, license/certification suspensions, and potential prohibitions on operating AVs.
    • Inspection and enforcement mechanisms by relevant state agencies.

  11. Timeline and Phase-In

    • Effective dates for registration, certification, and testing requirements.
    • Possible phased implementation to allow stakeholders to come into compliance.

Who Is Affected

  • Manufacturers and Developers of autonomous vehicle technology seeking to deploy AVs in Minnesota.
  • Vehicle Operators and Remote Operators responsible for monitoring and controlling AVs.
  • Autonomous Vehicle Fleets and Ride-Hail/Delivery Services utilizing AV technology.
  • Public and Private Fleet Owners operating AVs on Minnesota roads.
  • Regulatory Agencies (likely Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, and/or Commerce) charged with registration, certification, testing oversight, data reporting, and enforcement.
  • General Public through safety, privacy, and consumer protections, as well as potential changes in road operations and incident reporting.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce, Finance, and Policy committee on March 9, 2026.
  • Typical progress would involve committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes.
  • If enacted, the bill would specify effective dates for various provisions (e.g., post-enactment registration rollout, phased testing allowances, and full deployment standards).

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Provides a clear regulatory pathway for AV technology to operate in Minnesota, potentially accelerating safe deployment.
  • Balances innovation with safety, privacy, and data governance.
  • Establishes responsibilities for manufacturers, operators, and service providers, including liability and insurance frameworks.
  • Aligns state policy with evolving national standards on autonomous transportation.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to specific sections of the bill once the full text is available, or compare HF 4112 to similar bills in other states.

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

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