Colorado’s HB1291: A Case of Excessive Regulation That Hurts More Than It Helps

by Jillian Snider - R Street

Although Colorado’s HB1291 (the “Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection” bill) is marketed as a public safety initiative, a closer look reveals a heavy-handed regulatory approach that threatens economic opportunity, consumer choice, and civil liberties. While rideshare safety is important, this bill introduces burdensome and unnecessary directives that could force businesses out of the state, drive up costs for riders, and disproportionately impact low-income workers seeking flexible employment.

Read more: https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/colorado-transportation-bill-is-a-case-of-excessive-regulation-that-hurts-more-than-it-helps/

New bill would boost safety, background-check requirements for TNCs like Lyft, Uber

by Ed Sealover - The Sum & Substance

Seeking to protect Uber and Lyft customers, a group of Democratic lawmakers unveiled a bill Friday that would boost steps companies must take to perform background checks on drivers and ensure unauthorized persons are not picking up rides in place of those drivers.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Jenny Willford of Northglenn and Meg Froelich of Greenwood Village, also would ensure transportation-network-company drivers work no more than 10-hour shifts and would require each ride to be continuously recorded via video and audio. It also would allow people injured by violations of the bill to file civil lawsuits against a TNC or a driver, and it would make violations of the proposed law deceptive trade practices under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, which allows for much greater financial awards.

Read more: https://tsscolorado.com/new-bill-would-boost-safety-background-check-requirements-for-tncs-like-lyft-uber/

Bill would add regulations for ride-share companies that take students to school

by Carolyn Jones - EdSource

Wilfred Adu-Beng was already grappling with a mountain of hardships after his father and stepmother died. Getting his younger brother — for whom he was suddenly responsible — to middle school every day proved to be one of the biggest hurdles of all.

In essence, it was impossible. Adu-Beng, a psychiatric tech at a hospital near San Bernardino, often worked swing or early morning shifts.

Read more: https://edsource.org/2023/bill-would-regulate-rideshare-companies-that-take-students-to-school/693614