Illinois House passes legislation holding ride-sharing services accountable for passenger safety – NBC Chicago

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a law earlier this week that would hold ride-sharing services liable in the event someone is injured or attacked while on a trip.

The legislation is an amendment to the existing Transportation Network Providers Act, eliminating provisions that a “transportation network”, such as Uber or Lyft, is not equivalent to a taxi association and therefore cannot be held responsible in the event of an incident.

The amendment to the bill passed the Illinois House by a vote of 73 to 36, with the measure facing some opposition from House Republicans.

According to NBC affiliate WAND, a House Democrat said rideshare drivers are fighting for the change, saying the bill establishes accountability for widely used services.

“This particular bill, which I think is very important, establishes the duty of care of Lyft and Uber and large corporations that make millions of dollars from people driving their own cars at their own expense,” the statement said. Urban Democrat Carol Ammons. said.

GOP House members argued the change was unnecessary, with a Republican from Decatur saying the proposal attacked the free market while saying he often took ride-hailing services and believed drivers were taking care of passengers adequately, according to WAND.

“If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing,” Rep. Dan Caulkins said. “They wouldn’t stay in business very long. This driver would get bad grades and no one would greet them. It’s another attack on the free market.”

The measurement passes the same week that the body of a 21-year-old woman missing since January was found in Little Village. The woman, Rosa Chacon, was last seen alive entering an Uber vehicle not far from where her body was found.

The legislation now heads to the Illinois Senate for further consideration. If the measure passes the Senate, the bill amendment will head to Governor Pritzker’s office to be signed into law.