Autonomous vehicle mandate veto planned

Minneapolis councilman faces intense backlash after claiming self-driving cars are harming pets.

Minneapolis city council member, Jason Chavez, has been mocked on social media after claiming that self-driving cars are killing cats and urging officials to require humans in the vehicles. The proposal, which narrowly passed, would mandate a human operator and a special license for all autonomous vehicles. Critics argue that requiring a human operating would effectively ban autonomous taxi services and result in higher fares. However, Mayor Jacob Frey announced he plans to veto the proposal, stating it "doesn't make sense" and will continue efforts to embrace “innovative technology”. Critics accused Chavez of exaggerating the threat to cats and shifting focus from other pressing issues such as crime and fraud.

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