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Bill

A 728

Relates to requiring the department of labor to conduct a study on the potential impact of driverless vehicles

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Requires NY Department of Labor to study how driverless vehicles could affect jobs, wages, retraining, and worker protections, and report findings to the Legislature.

REFERRED TO LABOR
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Bill Summary · A 728

Summary of Bill A 728: Study on the Potential Impact of Driverless Vehicles

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 728
  • Title: Relates to requiring the Department of Labor to conduct a study on the potential impact of driverless vehicles
  • Status: Referred to Labor ( committee stage )
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Sponsor: Linda Rosenthal (primary)
  • Related Bills (prior-session): A 2990, A 301, A 639, A 233

Purpose and Intent

The bill would require the New York State Department of Labor to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the potential effects of driverless (autonomous) vehicles on the labor market and related workforce factors. The goal is to inform policymakers, employers, workers, and training providers about anticipated opportunities and challenges associated with widespread adoption of autonomous transportation technologies.

Key Provisions (as discernible from available information)

  • Mandated Study by DOL: The core requirement is for the Department of Labor to undertake a study focusing on the potential impact of driverless vehicles.
  • Scope (expected areas of analysis): While the exact text is not provided, typical elements for such studies include:
    • Employment and job displacement across affected sectors (e.g., trucking, delivery, taxis, public transit, logistics, maintenance).
    • Wages, benefits, and job quality implications.
    • Training and retraining needs for workers transitioning to new roles.
    • Workforce development and unemployment insurance considerations.
    • Safety, regulatory, and workplace protections related to autonomous vehicles.
    • Economic and regional impacts, including rural and urban effects.
    • Policy options or recommendations to mitigate negative outcomes (e.g., upskilling programs, social safety nets, worker protections).
  • Deliverables: The bill would require the DOL to complete the study and report findings to the Legislature (specific reporting timeline or format is not provided in the summary available).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: New York State Department of Labor (lead agency for the study).
  • Directly Affected Groups: Workers in transportation, logistics, delivery, taxi/ride-hailing services, manufacturing and maintenance sectors, and industries impacted by autonomous vehicle adoption.
  • Secondary: Employers in affected sectors, labor unions and employee associations, training and workforce development providers, and policymakers relying on the study to inform decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction Date: January 8, 2025.
  • Current Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Labor (LABOR). No further actions are listed in the provided information.
  • Legislative Path: As a referral bill, it would move through committee hearings and potentially to floor consideration, depending on amendments and legislative support.
  • Sponsor and Related Legislation: Primary sponsor Linda Rosenthal. Related bills from prior sessions (A 2990, A 301, A 639, A 233) suggest ongoing interest in examining the impacts of autonomous mobility and related labor implications.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • The study could inform state policy on workforce development, retraining programs, and safety/workers’ protections in the era of driverless vehicles.
  • Findings may shape funding decisions for training, unemployment support, and industry transition strategies.
  • The bill’s impact depends on the study’s scope, methodology, and the Legislature’s use of its recommendations.

What to Watch

  • Any amendments clarifying scope, reporting deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Committee hearings or stakeholder input that define the study’s parameters.
  • Subsequent action or passage during the current legislative session.

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

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