The Common Sense Institute Colorado has announced that House Bill 25-1291 could disrupt the rideshare industry, potentially leading to billions in economic losses for Colorado. This includes reductions in GDP, business output, and personal income by 2030. The announcement was shared in a public statement.
According to the Colorado General Assembly, House Bill 25-1291 proposes enhanced safety regulations for transportation network companies (TNCs). These include mandatory fingerprint-based background checks every six months, continuous audio and video recording of rides, and stricter data reporting requirements. The bill aims to increase consumer protection but has faced criticism from rideshare companies. Uber has threatened to cease operations in Colorado if the bill becomes law, citing concerns over impractical requirements and potential legal risks.
As reported by the Common Sense Institute, approximately 34,900 rideshare drivers were operating in the state as of April 2025. These drivers collectively earned an estimated $61 million in that month alone. Projecting these figures annually, rideshare drivers are expected to earn about $745 million in net income in 2025, up from an estimated $661 million in 2024.
The Common Sense Institute's analysis indicates that if HB 25-1291 causes significant disruptions in the rideshare industry, Colorado could lose 46,027 jobs by 2030. Additionally, the state's GDP could decrease by $4.7 billion, business output could decline by $7.7 billion, and personal income could drop by $3.8 billion. These projections highlight the potential economic impact of the proposed legislation.
The Common Sense Institute is a nonpartisan research organization focused on examining the economic impacts of public policy and providing data-driven analysis to inform decision-making across the state. The institute addresses a range of issues including workforce development, housing, and transportation with the goal of promoting informed policy solutions that enhance Colorado's economic vitality.