Companion bills SB 5378 and HB 1325 would permit the use of personal delivery devices (PDDs). A PDD is defined as an electrically-powered device which:

• Is intended primarily to transport property on a sidewalk or crosswalk;
• Weighs less than one hundred twenty pounds, excluding any property being carried in the device, except that a jurisdiction that governs the right-of-way may allow a device to exceed this weight limit through a local permit or local ordinance;
• Has a maximum speed of ten miles per hour; and
• Is equipped with automated driving technology, including software and hardware, enabling the operation of the device with the support and supervision of a remote personal delivery device operator.

The bill proposes that PDDs may operate on a sidewalk or crosswalk so long as all of the following requirements are met:

• A PDD is operated in accordance with the laws or ordinances, if any, established by the jurisdiction governing the right-of-way containing the sidewalk or crosswalk;
• A PDD operator is actively controlling or monitoring the navigation and operation of the personal delivery device;
• A PDD owner maintains an insurance policy that includes general liability coverage of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for damages arising from the operation of the personal delivery device by the eligible entity and any agent of the eligible entity; and
• A PDD is equipped with certain safety features.

AWC has some concerns with the bill and what it could mean for right-of-way management.

Dates to remember

The bills will be heard on Monday, January 28 at 3:30 pm in the Senate Transportation Committee and the House Transportation Committee.