Tag: Uber Bill

Tomblin Signs Bill Letting Uber, Lyft Offer Rides

Companies like Uber will be able to start offering rides in West Virginia under a new law approved by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

On Tuesday, the Democrat signed the bill letting ride-booking companies operate in the state. The Republican-led Legislature passed it with only a handful of ‘no’ votes.

The law takes effect July 1.

The law applies to Uber, Lyft and similar companies that use smartphone apps to book rides.

Companies will need to have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

Charleston and Morgantown have been mentioned as likely locations for companies to offer ridesharing services.

W.Va. Senate OKs Uber Bill

Senators approved a bill to allow ride sharing companies to operate in West Virginia. The vote on House Bill 4228, commonly referred to as the Uber bill, was unanimous.

The bill creates operating regulations for companies like Uber and Lyft, requiring them to have a Division of Motor Vehicles operating permit, additional insurance, drug and alcohol policies, and to conduct background checks for drivers. 

A similar bill was introduced by Gov. Tomblin this year. 

Technical changes were made to the bill in the Senate so it will return to the House for an additional vote before heading to the governor’s desk.

A push to bring Uber to West Virginia died in the GOP-led Legislature last year. Among other issues, a pocket of House delegates opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.

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