Georgia Lawmakers Eye Ridesharing Regulations

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Georgia legislators have filed bills to force companies such as Uber to conduct more rigorous background checks on their drivers and raising liability insurance minimums for passengers.

Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett said the bills “would make it difficult to operate in the state.”

Republican Rep. Alan Powell of Hartwell said Uber is paying thousands of Georgians to use their own cars as hybrid-taxis, without regulation. He said his goal is not to “run them out of the state” but to prevent Uber from ducking state and federal rules.

Bennett said Uber’s background checks are more thorough than those for taxi and limo drivers. Powell disagreed.

Uber argues it’s a different kind of transportation provider.

Bennett said Uber charges 30 to 50 percent less than taxis.

He said drivers are not employees but independent business owners who use their own cars. He said they have to submit to “rigorous background screening” that includes “a local, federal and state background check that looks at everything from sexual offender registry to violent crimes to Social Security traces and driving records.”

Powell said Uber’s background checks aren’t good enough. He said Uber drivers “are basically driving without insurance and are not paying taxes like everybody else.”

University student Nathan Stuck said he can earn $300 on a good day and $75 in a few hours. “It gives people freedom,” Stuck said. “And you’re gone if you get a DUI or caught for reckless driving.”

The company said it provides $1 million in insurance, and that its workers pay taxes. Bennett also said every driver’s vehicle must be no older than 10 years, and partners are fired if they run afoul of traffic laws.

Insurance bill sponsor Rep. Rich Golick of Smyrna said he wants to “treat everybody the same if you are a for-hire driver.”