West Virginia Lawmakers Put Off Decision on Uber

It looks unlikely that Uber is coming to West Virginia this year.

With debate closed, the Republican-led House of Delegates voted on March 13 against reviving an Uber bill that was idled. The bill would have allowed Uber and other ridesharing companies, while adjusting taxi cab regulations.

Republican House Speaker Tim Armstead told The Associated Press there were higher priorities in the last days of session.

Some Democrats say a nondiscrimination clause for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people doomed the bill in the House. The Republican-led Senate passed the bill almost unanimously.

A Republican delegate’s amendment to remove the provision failed in a committee.

Armstead said discussion about the nondiscrimination protections would have taken up time on the floor.

Armstead said insurance, DMV and other regulatory concerns have also come up.

Topics Legislation Virginia Sharing Economy Ridesharing