Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes regulations for a "transportation network company."

Highlights:

• Requires a “transportation network company” to obtain a permit from the Public Utilities Commission in order to engage in business within the state (Sec. 8).

• Defines “transportation network company” as an entity that uses a digital network or software application service to connect a passenger to a driver who can provide transportation services to the passenger (Sec. 5). 

• Requires a transportation network company to pay $0.25 to the commission for each trip in which a driver provides transportation services to a passenger, with the revenues appropriated to the State Highway Fund (Sec. 11).

• Requires a transportation network company to perform a criminal and sex offender background check on a driver upon his or her application for employment and every 3 years during his or her employment in the company (Sec. 14). 

• Establishes certain requirements for a driver to obtain employment from a transportation network company, including, but not limited to, the following requirements (Sec. 14):
• The driver is at least 19 years old; 
• The driver has not been found guilty of 3 or more motor vehicle misdemeanor violations within the previous 3 years; and
• The driver has not been found guilty of driving under the influence within the previous 7 years. 

• Requires a driver applying for employment from a transportation network company to provide certain information, including, but not limited to, a copy of his or her driver’s license, driving history, vehicle registration, and vehicle description (Sec. 14).

• Requires a transportation network company to offer to provide an estimate of the fare amount that will be charged to the passenger prior to the passenger entering the vehicle (Sec. 15).

• Prohibits the use of certain vehicles by drivers of a transportation network company, including, but not limited to, a vehicle that has less than 4 doors and a vehicle that carries more than 8 passengers, including the driver (Sec. 16).

• Requires a transportation network company to maintain certain records for at least 3 years, including, but not limited to, records of trips, accidents, and complaints and resolutions (Sec. 21).

• Authorizes the commission to enforce certain penalties if it determines that a transportation network company has violated terms of the permit or the provisions of this bill, including, but not limited to, the following penalties (Sec. 27):
• A penalty that suspends or revokes the permit issued to the company;
• A penalty that fines the company up to $100,000; and
• A penalty that prohibits an individual from working as a driver for the company.

• Requires a transportation network company to submit an annual report of all business conducted to the commission by May 15 each year (Sec. 22).

• Requires a transportation network company or driver to have transportation network company insurance during any period in which the driver is providing transportation services (Sec. 42).

• Authorizes the commission to adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this bill (Sec. 30).

Full Bill Text