H.R. 4419 — AV Accessibility Act

This section defines key terms for purposes of the Act, including (1) disability, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 12102; (2) public transportation, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 5302; (3) ride-hail ADS-equipped vehicle, as an ADS-equipped vehicle offered for pre-arranged transportation services for compensation using an online-enabled application or electronic platform to connect passengers with vehicles and dispatched in driverless operation; (4) Secretary, meaning the Secretary of Transportation; and (5) ADS-equipped vehicle, dispatch, Level 4, Level 5, and driverless operation, as defined in SAE International Recommended Practice J3016 (April 2021 edition) or a subsequent revision adopted by the Secretary.

This section prohibits a state from issuing a motor vehicle operator’s license for the operation or use of an ADS-equipped vehicle operating at Level 4 or Level 5 in a manner that discriminates on the basis of disability against a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (i.e., which bars public entities from denying such individuals the benefits of their services, programs, or activities).

This section directs the Secretary to seek an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study to (1) determine changes to public transportation infrastructure that improve the ability of individuals with disabilities to find, access, and use ride-hail ADS-equipped vehicles, including during pickup and dropoff; and (2) identify options to simplify safe access for such individuals, including non-visual access, by considering technological solutions for dynamic curb management, sidewalk and roadway design, dedicated pickup and dropoff zones, curb extensions, infrastructure design, and other relevant factors.