Oklahoma lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor's office that would allow the establishment of rules regulating how to safely operate driverless vehicles navigating state highways.

America's Energy Security Leadership Council determined in a report that autonomous vehicles are expected to bring in billions of dollars annually in future decades.

The Journal Record reports that bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Martinez says the Oklahoma Driving Automation System Uniformity Act could help position the state to become a national leader in testing and embracing the developing technology.

Martinez says an informal group was formed last year comprising lawmakers, transportation and public safety officials, and industry professionals such as Uber and Tesla. The group concluded that Oklahoma's central location and its many roadways are ideal for developing automated driving technologies.