This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Legislature adopted a loose regulatory framework for the ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber.
SB294, now on its way to the governor, would require the companies to register with the state, consent to audits and do background checks on its drivers, carry insurance and conduct safety checks on its vehicles. Uber and Lyft already do the background and safety checks.
Rep. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, said the bill provides "some framework for regulation for the industry while allowing for competitive, free-market and disruptive innovation."
But Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, objected to the bill tailored to the two companies coming so late in the session.
"It's just a red carpet, preferred, write-your-own bill as you come into town," he said.
There were numerous issues he said needed to be addressed and suggested the Legislature spend the coming year to study the issue more carefully.
A spokesman for Mayor Ralph Becker said the administration is still analyzing the legislation to determine how it differs from a Salt Lake City ordinance passed last year, and which the legislation would supercede.
Former mayor Rocky Anderson, who is representing Yellow Cab Co., said the new bill and the manner in which it was passed is "outrageous."
"This is one of those deals that are put together behind closed doors with no public debate and no public process," he said. "The fix was in."
— Robert Gehrke and Christopher Smart