Nebraska Bill to Legalize Ridesharing Services Advances

A bill that would allow Uber, Lyft and other ride-booking services to operate legally in Nebraska is headed to a vote in the Legislature.

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee voted 5-2 to advance regulations for the smartphone-based services, which have operated in Nebraska despite legal uncertainties.

The proposal creates insurance coverage regulations for drivers who have logged on to a ride-booking application but haven’t picked up a passenger. It’s likely to face resistance from banks and insurance companies, who want a more protections.

Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, the committee chairman, says he voted against the bill to send a message to Uber that he’s disappointed in how the company has behaved. Some drivers have been ticketed for operating without state approval.

The bill is LB 629.