California lawmakers push for more autonomous vehicle oversight [Video]

State lawmakers held a hearing on Monday on SB 915, a bill aimed at giving local governments greater control over the operation of driverless vehicles in California cities.

Earlier this year, the Public Utilities Commission granted Waymo permission to expand its operations into San Mateo County.

State Sen. Dave Cortese proposed the bill. He noted that SB 915 has already advanced through two committees. However, residents expressed mixed sentiments. They said Waymo has already started testing its vehicles on city streets.

“In Foster City, I see them all the time when I’m coming home from work. They practice on one of the roads I take home,” said Foster City resident Elizabeth Donovan.

Pushback from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors failed to stop Waymo’s expansion. The company’s driverless vehicles are preparing to operate in the coming months.

Cortese, representing District 15, introduced SB 915 in January, advocating for increased oversight by local governments over driverless vehicles.

“It does create an opportunity for …