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State Rep. Jennifer-Gong Gershowitz, D-Glenview, introduced
House Bill 2231, which would set up a new standard for companies
like Uber and Lyft by getting rid of an exemption that says
rideshare companies are not responsible for their passengers'
safety.
The measure comes after an Illinois woman says she was sexually
assaulted by her rideshare driver and sued the company but lost
in court due to those companies not being legally responsible
for her safety.
The
measure would apply to all ride share companies like Uber, Lyft,
and Turro but would not apply to vehicles that carry over eight
passengers at one time.
State Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, explained what changes
the measure would bring.
"What it does is amends the Transportation Network Providers
Act. This is the act that governs what we consider rideshares,"
Martwick said. "What it does is it removes the exemption from
common carrier liability."
In a statement to its customers earlier this month, the
rideshare company Uber said the measure is not about public
safety. A new state law could drastically increase rider fares,
Uber said.
"Disguised as a safety bill, this legislation could make
rideshare too expensive for many communities. It could also lead
to reduced rideshare availability, removing transportation
options and earnings opportunities for tens of thousands in
Illinois," the statement reads.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, reminded Republicans that the
Illinois Chamber of Commerce is still opposed to the measure.
"I know that you have worked very hard to alleviate some of the
concerns from the people at the table, so thank you for that,"
Rezin said. "Just a reminder for people on our side, the Chamber
is still opposed."
State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Harrisburg, warned that some
companies could end up wanting to leave the state.
"One of the reasons these entities have been so successful has
been the costs involved are not as great as the other entities,"
Windhorst said. "By increasing regulations or burdens on
business, we may drive them out."
The
Senate passed an amendment to the House bill. The measure is now
in the House for concurrence. If the measure is approved and
signed, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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