Florida Senate passes bill legalising self-driving cars

Florida's state senate has unanimously passed a bill to authorise human-free, self-driving cars. The legislation, which will now be passed to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval, would lay the foundations for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to deploy driverless vehicles, and includes insurance criteria for the service. The bill is an update of current Florida regulations, which allow self-driving cars as long as a human is sitting in the driver's seat to take over if necessary. Republican state congressman Jason Fischer, who sponsored the bill's introduction, stated his aim is to make Florida a hub for the new technology.

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A bill on its way to Governor Ron DeSantis comes with the possibility of human-less self-driving cars hitting the Sunshine State's streets in the near future.

The Senate unanimously passed the bill with no debate on Wednesday, a move that could pave the way for companies like Uber and Lyft to deploy fleets of driverless vehicles.

The measure also sets up insurance parameters for on-demand ride companies that use self-driving cars.

The House unanimously passed the measure last week. The measure updates current law that allows self-driving vehicles if a person is in the car as a backup.

House sponsor Rep. Jason Fischer has said he wants Florida to be a leader in allowing the new technology on state roadways.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)