Illinois House Passes Legislation Holding Rideshare Services Liable For Passenger Safety – NBC Chicago

The General Assembly of the State of Illinois has recently passed legislation that holds rideshare services accountable for the safety of their passengers. This new law is set to take effect as of 1 July 2020.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic State Rep. Ann Williams, mandates that rideshare services must provide insurance coverage for passengers who are injured or killed in a rideshare vehicle. Furthermore, the legislation requires that the companies provide a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage for passengers.

The law also establishes safety standards for rideshare drivers, including background checks, drug tests, and minimum age requirements. Additionally, the act calls for the creation of a rideshare licensing system, which will provide oversight for the industry and ensure that drivers are trained and qualified.

The bill was passed overwhelmingly by the House, with only two dissenting votes. Supporters of the legislation argued that it would help protect passengers from potential harm, while opponents argued that it was an unnecessary burden on the rideshare industry.

The legislation is seen as a major victory for passenger safety, as it is the first law of its kind to be enacted in the United States. It is expected to have a significant impact on the rideshare industry, as it will impose increased costs and stricter safety regulations on the companies.

It remains to be seen whether other states will follow Illinois’ lead and pass similar legislation. Nonetheless, the passage of this law serves as a reminder that rideshare companies must take responsibility for the safety of their passengers.