Idaho Panel Clears Bill to Ease Restrictions on Uber

A bill that would allow the popular ridesharing company Uber to bypass local city ordinances and operate how it wants in Idaho is headed to the House floor.

The House Transportation and Defense Committee endorsed the proposal this week, despite objections from the panel’s three Democrats over safety and insurance policies.

The bill would allow Uber to do its own background checks on drivers, rather than a more rigorous fingerprint check supported by state and city law enforcement.

Democratic Rep. Melissa Wintrow also raised concerns over vehicle inspections and insurance regulations.

But Republican Rep. Linden Bateman countered that customers can choose whether to use Uber or a more regulated taxi service.

Uber pulled out of Boise in February after negotiations with city officials fell apart.

Topics Sharing Economy Ridesharing