Colorado, Congress Advance Rideshare Safety Legislation

Colorado lawmakers have passed a rideshare safety bill that introduces tougher background checks for drivers, limits on providing food and water to passengers, and allows in-car audio or video recording only with the consent of both driver and passenger. The bill originally required mandatory recording of all rides, but this provision was amended following opposition from Uber and Lyft, with Uber threatening to leave the state. The legislation still allows victims of severe incidents, such as sexual assault or kidnapping, to sue rideshare companies under certain circumstances. At the federal level, bipartisan U.S. Senators have introduced the Safe and Private Rides Act, requiring rideshare companies to notify passengers about in-car recordings and offer opt-outs from rides with dashcams. Both state and federal initiatives address the balance between safety, privacy, and industry concerns. The Colorado bill is now awaiting a decision from Governor Jared Polis, who has expressed reservations about its implications.