Insurance Included in Rideshare Regulations Passed by Illinois Lawmakers

The Illinois Legislature has passed legislation regulating drivers in the emerging ridesharing industry.

Both the House and Senate approved legislation creating statewide regulations for drivers working for ridesharing services connecting passengers with drivers who use personal vehicles to give rides. It includes modified insurance requirements, background checks and a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol.

Democratic state Rep. Mike Zalewski of Riverside is sponsoring the legislation. He originally planned to call for an override of Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto on earlier ridesharing bills.

The taxi industry supported the initial bills, claiming ridesharing companies skirt regulations.

Zalewski agreed to work with ridesharing companies as he drafted the new legislation. That includes Uber, which opposed earlier efforts.

The legislation is SB 2774.