The bill, , passed a transportation committee hearing 11-0 on the condition that work continue on language to limit the liability of automakers. Disagreement on liability language delayed the vote, which was originally scheduled for last week.

The issue of liability is a key concern for automobile makers, who don't want to be responsible for accidents involving cars that have autonomous driving technology added after sale.

But while it consults on safety, the state is under pressure to pass a law so it's not seen as inhibiting innovation. Two states, Florida and Nevada, have already passed legislation and California-based companies such as Google are testing driverless cars and want to put it to greater use.

"Over the course of the last week, we have been convening stakeholders and staff to address the issue of liability that was hanging out there," said Senator Alex Padilla, (D-20th district), who authored the bill. "There is agreement on intent language to be incorporated into the bill, to create a framework for statutory language that could be hashed out during the summer recess."

Under the terms of draft language, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would be charged with establishing testing standards for driverless vehicles in collaboration with experts such as those at the California Highway Patrol and U.C. Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center.