Democratic Lawmaker in Illinois Planning New Ridesharing Bill

A Democratic state lawmaker says he wants to pursue new legislation calling for regulations of the emerging ridesharing industry.

Rep. Mike Zalewski of Riverside had originally planned to call for an override of Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto on bills imposing background checks and insurance requirements on some drivers in the industry that connects passengers with drivers using personal vehicles to give rides.

Zalewski says he’ll instead announce the “framework” of new ridesharing legislation that has been agreed upon by ridesharing companies including Uber X.

The taxi industry supported the initial bill, claiming ridesharing companies skirt regulations, including those governing safety.

But Quinn said the bills he vetoed would have prevented local governments from adopting rules that fit their communities. Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner also opposed the legislation.