Minneapolis City Council Passes Autonomous Vehicle Ordinance Amid Debate Over Pet Safety and Innovation
The Minneapolis City Council narrowly passed an ordinance Thursday that would require a human operator and a special license for all autonomous vehicles operating in the city. Council Member Jason Chavez cited concerns about cats being killed by Waymo self-driving vehicles during the council debate. Mayor Jacob Frey announced he intends to veto the measure, saying it "doesn't make sense" and would amount to a "backdoor ban" of the vehicles.
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The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to pass an ordinance that would mandate a human operator and a special license for autonomous vehicles, including Waymo's driverless taxis. The measure passed narrowly and faces an uncertain future after Mayor Jacob Frey announced his intention to veto it.
During the council debate, Member Jason Chavez argued in favor of the ordinance in part by citing video footage he said showed cats being killed by autonomous vehicles. "Literally, cats being murdered by these vehicles," Chavez told fellow council members, adding that he personally owned a cat and considered the issue a matter of concern for "cat lovers" across the city.
Mayor Frey, in a statement to multiple Minnesota outlets, said the ordinance "doesn't make sense" and that he would not support what he characterized as a "backdoor ban" on autonomous vehicles, while also saying the city would continue to pursue "innovative technology," including new transportation options. Supporters of the ordinance have argued that requiring a human operator would effectively end driverless taxi service and lead to higher fares, while opponents of the technology contend it poses safety risks and displaces workers.