The Michigan Senate on Sept. 7 unanimously approved a four-bill package that supporters hope will give the state a competitive edge in autonomous vehicle testing and development.

The legislation, originally introduced in May, is now headed to the state House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 995, sponsored by state Senator Mike Kowall, includes guidelines for automated vehicles to operate on Michigan streets and highways. It would permit self-driving vehicles to operate without the presence of a human driver, according to mlive.com. 

Senate Bill 996, also sponsored by Kowall, would establish standards for the operation of ride-hailing/on-demand vehicle services that use autonomous vehicles. Senate Bill 997, sponsored by Senator Rebekah Warren, would help create the American Center for Mobility on the former Willow Run factory site. Senate Bill 998, sponsored by Senator Ken Horn, would exempt mechanics and repair facilities from product liability lawsuits when autonomous vehicle repairs are performed according to manufacturer specifications.

The bills would update a state autonomous vehicle law that went into effect in March 2014.