Texas lawmakers are planning new rules for fleets of autonomous vehicles. The proposed legislation would require companies operating driverless vehicles to get special permits and register with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Why it matters: The new regulations aim to monitor autonomous fleets closely due to the current lack of state oversight. Senator Robert Nichols, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, emphasized the need for a "set of rules" to manage these vehicles.

• The rules would only apply to fleets, not privately owned autonomous vehicles.
• Companies would need to inform the state before deploying driverless vehicles on the road.
• Tracking these fleets will help Texas manage and address any issues that arise.

The bigger picture: Federal law requires autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report any collisions. However, Texas wants more detailed oversight at the state level to ensure safety and accountability, according to Houston Chronicle.

What’s next: Lawmakers are still working on the specifics of the permit process. They aim to balance innovation with safety, ensuring autonomous vehicle advances continue while keeping the public safe.