Autonomous vehicles have been getting some attention from local, state, and national levels. Companies such as Google, Uber, and General Motors have begun testing this new technology. LegiSchool’s Town Hall on autonomous vehicles gave students the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask challenging questions to a panel of knowledgeable experts.

In order to prepare the students for the topic, they were given a curriculum guide. Included in the guide is a thorough introduction to autonomous vehicles; as well as activities for students to start thinking critically about this emerging technology. These curriculum guides can also serve as a great tool for students who are unable to attend the Town Halls in person.

During the Town Hall panel, most students were hesitant to embrace autonomous vehicles, and this was voiced through their critical questions of the panelists. The dialogue gave the policy experts some ideas on what students worried about most (liability, ethical dilemmas, safety and the future of licensing). By the end of the panel, some students left with a different view, while others continued to voice concerns.

After lunch, students were welcomed by Capitol staffers and led on tours throughout the Capitol. Students had the privilege of visiting the Assembly and Senate Galleries, as well as locating their member’s offices.

edited panelist.jpg

Many thanks to our panelists that participated (left to right):

  • Captain Sean Duryee, Commander of Commercial Vehicle Section for the California CHP
  • Lieutenant Reggie Williams, Government Relations for the California CHP
  • Juanita Martinez, Western Regional Manager for General Motors
  • Brian Soublet, Chief Counsel and Deputy Director for the California DMV

And a special shout out to our schools that traveled from across Northern and Central California to attend: Kingsburg High School, San Lorenzo High School and Madera South High School. We hope to be working with even more schools in the future!

Interested in participating in our Town Halls or utilizing our free curriculum guides? Email legischool@csus.edu to sign up for updates.

Published by The LegiSchool Project

The LegiSchool Project is a civic-education collaboration between California State University, Sacramento, and the California State Legislature. The Project's mission is to engage young people in matters of public policy and state government by creating opportunities for students, and oftentimes state leaders, to meet and share ideas on the problems affecting Californians.

Leave a comment