June 19 – A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Austin area is urging Tesla (TSLA, Financial) to postpone its planned rollout of robotaxis until a new autonomous vehicle law takes effect in Texas, according to a Wednesday letter shared with media.
The lawmakers said the delay would allow the company to better align with forthcoming safety regulations and build public confidence. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently indicated that a soft launch could begin as early as this Sunday.
The incoming legislation, currently awaiting the governor's signature, would introduce a permitting framework for self-driving vehicles and give the state authority to revoke those permits if safety concerns arise. It also includes requirements for emergency protocols during autonomous operations.
Lawmakers have asked Tesla to provide detailed information on how it intends to meet these conditions if it moves forward ahead of the law's expected September implementation.
In January, Musk said the company would offer paid autonomous rides in Austin starting in June. Early reports suggest the pilot program may use a fleet of 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles in select neighborhoods deemed “safest” by the company.
The robotaxi program remains a focal point for Tesla investors and analysts, given the potential revenue implications tied to autonomous driving and robotics.
