Minneapolis council member pushes human driver rule after claiming autonomous cars kill cats

Jason Chavez, a Minneapolis city council member, claimed that Waymo self-driving cars have caused cat fatalities and advocated for an ordinance that would require a human driver and a special permit for all autonomous vehicles. The proposal barely cleared the council but is expected to be vetoed by Mayor Jacob Frey, who argues the rule would hinder the city’s technology goals. Social media users ridiculed Chavez, labeling the concern a "cat genocide" and questioning the council’s priorities.

Commentators also linked the debate to broader city challenges such as crime and housing costs. Supporters of the bill warn that a human-operator requirement could effectively ban driverless taxis and raise fares, while opponents argue the technology is safe and creates jobs. The controversy highlights the tension between emerging mobility solutions and local safety concerns.