Georgia Governor Approves Ridesharing Regulation

Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law two bills regulating the high-tech ridesharing industry in Georgia.

Surrounded by young Uber drivers in black T-shirts and Lyft drivers wearing pink on Wednesday, Deal signed into law House Bill 225, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, and House Bill 190, by Rep. Rich Golick, R-Smyrna.

Deal says the bills protect riders as well as drivers and fills what he called “gaps” in state law regarding insurance coverage and passenger safety. The bills also require ride-hailers to register with the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Ridesharing firms are being sued in a number of states by cab drivers and state officials. Uber announced Tuesday it was pulling out of Kansas after the Legislature imposed new regulations.