A bill regulating ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft has gotten the green-light in Massachusetts.
Lawmakers approved the legislation late Sunday night.
It mandates driver background checks that would be conducted by the companies themselves and the state, but it does not require drivers to get fingerprinted.
The legislation allows drivers to pick up customers at the Boston Convention and Exhbition Center as well as Logan Airport.
The bill also imposes a 20-cent per-ride fee on the companies. That money would be split among cities, towns, the state Department of Transportation and a fund for taxi and livery businesses.
A statement from House Speaker Robert DeLeo says, "The TNC legislation sends a signal that Massachusetts is a great place to live, work, and do business. I am proud that we took the initiative to tackle this tough issue, effectively safeguarding the innovative nature of transportation network companies while enhancing consumer protection and public safety."
A statement from Adrian Durbin, Lyft spokesman, reads, "We are pleased that the Legislature came to an agreement on common sense legislation that sets high safety standards while keeping modern transportation options like Lyft available across the Bay State. This bill expands consumer choice and encourages innovation, and we urge Governor Charlie Baker to sign it into law when it reaches his desk. The people of the Commonwealth have made it clear they want ridesharing, and we appreciate the thoughtful process the Legislature followed to ensure that safe and affordable transportation options are available across Massachusetts."
