California regulators have proposed a bill (AB1777) to tighten regulations on autonomous vehicles (AVs). The proposed measures include a mandatory emergency response telephone line for first responders, the installation of two-way voice communication devices in AVs, and the ability for emergency officials to direct AVs to leave or avoid areas via geofencing within two minutes.

The legislation would also mandate that AV manufacturers report any collisions to the state within five days and hold them accountable for traffic violations, addressing the current challenge faced by police departments in citing driverless vehicles.

If passed, the bill would allow the state to impose restrictions on AV operation based on geography, time, road type, speed, and weather conditions, following an assessment of violations and crashes. 

Another bill, SB915, requires local jurisdictions to establish policies regulating AVs, including permits, vehicle limits, and operating times before they are permitted to operate locally.

Analyst QuickTake: Public sentiment towards AVs in California is deteriorating, highlighted by vandalism and protests. For instance, a Waymo vehicle was recently attacked and set on fire. Additionally, GM Cruise reintroduced self-driving vehicles with safety drivers earlier this month in Phoenix, after its license was suspended in California in October 2023 due to safety concerns and misrepresentation of safety data by the company, which subsequently led to the withdrawal of its robotaxi operations nationwide.