Wisconsin legislators are considering a bill that would regulate ride-share companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc., removing oversight from municipalities’ control. According to media reports, if the proposed legislation passes, cities will not be able to enforce tougher rules on such services.
In Madison, app-driven ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft are currently illegal, but they continue to operate. Madison officials, including Mayor Paul Soglin and Ald. Scott Resnick, his challenger in the upcoming April 8 election, would prefer to impose stricter local measures but would be unable to do so if the bill passes.
The legislation would create uniform standards across the state, requiring ride-share companies to conduct background checks on all drivers, perform emissions tests on vehicles, and carry at least $1 million in commercial insurance coverage on passengers, from the time they book the ride with the app until they reach their destination.
The proposed legislation would impose rules that differ from those governing taxis, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
