"Newsom's Controversial Vetoes: Driverless Truck Safety and Gender Identity Bills Among the Rejected"
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required human safety drivers in heavy-duty autonomous trucks for the next five years, citing the existing regulatory framework as sufficient. The bill, sponsored by the Teamsters union and supported by highway safety advocates, faced opposition from driverless technology companies and business groups. The decision now rests with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine when self-driving trucks can operate without human drivers. Dissatisfaction with the DMV's regulation of autonomous vehicles was a key factor in the debate, with concerns raised about lax enforcement and public safety. Newsom expressed confidence in the DMV's ability to handle the issue.