A bill that would allow
self-driving cars in California passed the California Senate this week, The
Los Angeles Times reports.

Last year, a bill for testing
of Google’s self-driving car passed in Nevada.

The bill, according to The
Times, establishes guidelines for “autonomous vehicles” to be tested and
operated in California. The bill will be considered by the Assembly in June.

Google, one of the organizations at the forefront of the
technology, believes computer-controlled cars should eventually drive more
safely than humans.

The Times reported several lawmakers test drove Google’s
prototype autonomous Prius and were convinced the technology was the right
direction for California.

A number of lawmakers test drove Google’s
prototype autonomous Prius and “came away convinced that fostering
this technology is the right direction for California,” he said.

In addition to safety, many believe the new technology would improve fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions.

Other states considering similar legislation are Arizona,
Hawaii, Florida and Oklahoma.