FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2516
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 21 L 16
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Providing that commercial transportation services providers are not commuter ride-sharing arrangements.
Sponsors: Representatives Kirby, Vick, Griffey and Ormsby.
House Committee on Business & Financial Services
Senate Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance
Background:
Transportation Network Companies.
A "commercial transportation service provider," often called a "transportation network company" or TNC, is a company that uses a digital network or software to connect passengers to drivers for the purpose of providing a prearranged ride. Although the service is similar to a for-hire taxi service, it is exempt from most requirements applicable to taxicabs and regulated separately.
Drivers for transportation network companies must carry certain insurance when using a personal vehicle. The policy must provide coverage for all times that a driver is logged into the TNC's software with differing coverage depending on whether the driver is matched with a passenger. The coverage must provide at least:
Before match with a passenger:
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in liability and underinsured motorist coverage;
$30,000 in liability coverage for property damage; and
personal injury protection.
After match with a passenger:
$1 million combined single-limit coverage each for liability and underinsured motorist coverage; and
personal injury protection.
Commuter Ride-Sharing and Flexible Commuter Ride-Sharing Arrangements.
A "commuter ride-sharing" arrangement is a car pool or van pool arrangement in which a fixed group of four to 15 people are transported in a passenger vehicle between their homes and schools or workplaces where the driver is also traveling to or from a school or workplace. A "flexible commuter ride-sharing" arrangement is the same except that the vehicle may contain as few as two people including the driver, and multiple daily round trips are permitted. Drivers in commuter ride-sharing arrangements are exempt from laws applicable to for-hire drivers and are held to a reasonable and ordinary standard of care.
Summary:
The definition of "commercial transportation service provider" excludes commuter ride-sharing and flexible commuter ride-sharing arrangements.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 1 | |
Senate | 47 | 0 |
Effective: | June 9, 2016 |