A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has released a discussion draft of the SELF DRIVE Act, legislation that would establish a federal regulatory framework for the deployment of autonomous vehicles, as Congress revisits efforts to create nationwide safety and oversight standards for the emerging technology.
The draft was introduced by Representative Bob Latta, a Republican, and Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat, and has received support from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA). A legislative hearing on the proposal is scheduled for January 13, 2026, before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, according to congressional aides.
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The bill aims to create uniform federal safety standards and regulatory guidelines for autonomous vehicles, addressing a patchwork of state-level rules that industry groups say complicate large-scale deployment.
“The release of this discussion draft is an important step toward establishing a clear, national framework for autonomous vehicles,” said Jeff Farrah, chief executive of AVIA, which represents companies developing self-driving technology.
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AVIA said the proposal aligns with its January 2025 federal policy recommendations and focuses on three core objectives: federal safety oversight, regulatory certainty for developers, and maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S.-based autonomous vehicle companies.
Supporters of the draft legislation have pointed to road safety as a central motivation. AVIA cited U.S. traffic fatalities, which remain near 40,000 deaths annually, and argued that autonomous systems could help reduce crashes linked to human error. The association also highlighted potential mobility benefits for people with disabilities and others who face barriers to traditional transportation.
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The SELF DRIVE Act discussion draft follows previous attempts by Congress to pass comprehensive autonomous vehicle legislation, which have stalled amid disagreements over safety authority and consumer protections. AVIA said the new proposal addresses policy gaps identified in its report, Securing American Leadership in Autonomous Vehicles, released in early 2025.
Farrah testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in June 2025, urging lawmakers to adopt a federal framework to support testing and deployment while ensuring public safety.
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Lawmakers are expected to solicit feedback from industry, safety advocates and regulators during the upcoming hearing before deciding whether to advance the bill in its current form.