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West Virginia is a step closer to letting Uber and similar companies offer rides in the state.
The bill passed the House of Delegates by a 95-2 margin Monday. It next moves to the Senate.
The proposal would apply to Uber, Lyft and similar companies.
It would require companies to have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.
The bill would require companies to have a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.
“Number one is that it’s safe, reliable transportation. West Virginia should join the 300 cities and 27 other states that allow business travelers and tourists options like Uber and Lyft. But secondly, employment and jobs; the TNCs provide additional opportunities for employment for seniors, young students, veterans, but third is DUI reductions; there’s been a market reduction in DUIs in cities where Uber has been allowed.” – House Majority Leader Daryl Cowles, R – Morgan County. Lead Sponsor of HB 4228.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has introduced a similar bill.
One of the main issues discussed in committee regarding House Bill 4228 was insurance. This bill would require $50,000 dollars in a death or injury per person, $100,000 dollar coverage per incident, and a $25,000 dollar property coverage. In addition, the transportation network company or TNC, like Uber, would have an overriding million dollar liability policy, and if the driver doesn’t have that, the TNC would be required to provide that.
An Uber push in the GOP-led Legislature died last year. Among other issues, a pocket of House delegates opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.
