Mass. Ride-Sharing Bill Calls For Background Checks, No Fingerprinting
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A bill that would regulate ride-hailing services, like Uber and Lyft, in Massachusetts would require drivers undergo background checks, but not fingerprinting.
The House Financial Services Committee released its version of the bill Friday.
It calls for a two-step background check for all drivers, the first one to be conducted by the ride-hailing company, and the second by state regulators for a new "Ride For Hire Division" created in the state Department of Public Utilities.
Carlie Waibel, a spokeswoman for Uber in New England, says all drivers go through background checks, adding that there are more than 20,000 drivers in Massachusetts.
She declined to comment on the bill, as the company is still reviewing it.
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans has been among those calling for fingerprinting of drivers for ride-hailing services, a requirement faced by taxi drivers.
The legislation would keep in place until August 2021 a ban on ride-hailing companies picking up passengers at Boston's Logan International Airport.
The bill now goes to the full House for debate.
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