The finalized prototype of Google self-driving car. Michigan would no longer require that someone be inside a self-driving car while testing it on public roads under bills up for a vote in the Legislature.
The change is expected to win Senate approval Wednesday and likely reach Gov. Rick Snyder's desk within months.
The legislation is designed to keep the U.S. auto industry's home state ahead of the curve on autonomous vehicles.
A researcher wouldn't have to be present in a self-driving test car. But he or she would be required to "promptly" take control of its movements if necessary.
The bills also would authorize the public operation of driverless cars and tight "platoons" of commercial trucks to travel in unison at electronically coordinated speeds.
Explore further: Google expects public in driverless cars in two to five years
