Regulates robotic delivery devices without assigning rights and preserves local control.

HB1684 / SB1625 addresses the operation of personal delivery devices, commonly understood as small robotic delivery devices, on sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle lanes or paths, shoulders, parking lots, and similar public areas.

As originally filed, the bill raised a significant concern because it stated that a personal delivery device would have “all of the rights” applicable to a pedestrian when operated in pedestrian areas, or a bicyclist when operated in other areas. Tennessee Stands opposed the original version because human rights, including pedestrian rights, should not be assigned to robotic devices or artificial delivery systems. Rights belong to people, not machines.

However, the amendment substantially changes the bill. The amended language removes the problematic “rights” language and instead provides that a personal delivery device must be regulated as, and subject to the requirements applicable to, a pedestrian or bicyclist depending on where the device is being operated. This is an important distinction. The amended bill no longer treats the device as a rights-bearing entity, but rather places it under an existing framework of traffic and safety rules.

The amendment also improves the bill by preserving local control. Under the amended version, local governments may regulate or prohibit personal delivery devices by local resolution or ordinance when the local government determines that such regulation or prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety. This allows cities and counties to respond to the unique conditions of their own communities rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all statewide policy.

The amended bill also includes additional public safety protections. Personal delivery devices may not be operated in bicycle lanes on roads with speed limits greater than 45 miles per hour. They are also prohibited from operating on shoulders or areas adjacent to the right-hand edge or curb of roads with speed limits greater than 45 miles per hour, interstate highways, or controlled access highways. Additionally, the bill requires that a device not operate in a crosswalk unless it is programmed to safely identify and use crosswalks, react to signage or signals, distinguish pedestrians and traffic, and yield so as not to obstruct pedestrians or turning vehicles.

For these reasons, Tennessee Stands supports HB1684 / SB1625 as amended. The amendment removes the original concern regarding the assignment of human rights to robotic devices, while preserving the ability of local governments to regulate or prohibit these devices in the interest of public safety. The bill, as amended, strikes a better balance between allowing innovation in delivery technology and maintaining local authority over public rights-of-way, pedestrian safety, and community standards.