There would be statewide regulations for Internet transportation networks like Uber and Lyft, under a bill moving forward in the Minnesota Legislature. D-F-L Representative Debra Hilstrom from Brooklyn Center has concerns about the measure as it stands, and asks why there would be lesser restrictions to provide rideshares than are put on taxicab drivers. Republican Representative Sandy Layman from Cohasset indicates she’s willing to talk about provisions in her bill: “Work towards some good, uniform standards for this industry that we can all live with. And that’s what we’re here, to start the ball rolling in that direction.”
Hilstrom also asked why the bill, which cleared a House committee last week, only prohibits those listed on national sex offender websites from being Uber or Lyft drivers, and doesn’t also include registered sex offenders in Minnesota. Matt Patton with Lyft responded, “If there’s a point of discussion that yourself or stakeholders would be willing to have about it, this is the beginning point of that discussion and we’re open to those ideas.”