D’Amico-Supported Bill to Protect Ride-Share Passengers Passes House

CHICAGO – Concerned about the safety of ride-sharing consumers, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, recently helped pass legislation to strengthen and expand driver application standards for Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing companies.

“In a time when ride-sharing businesses have become a part of daily life for many, it is important that drivers are thoroughly vetted to protect a rider’s safety,” D’Amico said. “Those who wish to be employed by these ride-hailing companies should go through a complete background check to make sure they do not pose a risk to others.”

The D’Amico-backed House Bill 4416 expands information requirements that a potential driver must provide when applying to a ride-sharing company, such as submitting their full-name and any known aliases. The measure aims to strengthen background checks, and ensure that prohibited drivers are not allowed to be hired. Ride-sharing companies are not allowed to hire applicants who have had three moving violations in three years or one major violation, such as attempting to evade the police, in the past year. Drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence or for committing fraud and other violent felonies in the past seven years are also disqualified.

“Driving someone around puts a significant responsibility on drivers for their passengers’ safety,” D’Amico said. “While recognizing the benefits apps like Uber and Lyft provide, it is important that we ensure these drivers are competent to be in such a role.”