The Colorado General Assembly has introduced House Bill 25-1291, aimed at expanding consumer protection and operational requirements for transportation network companies. The bill was made available on the General Assembly's website on April 7.
According to the Colorado General Assembly, House Bill 25-1291 proposes new regulations for transportation network companies. These include limiting driver hours, mandating biannual fingerprint-based background checks, requiring real-time driver identity verification, and implementing continuous in-vehicle recording. The bill also seeks to compel companies to submit annual safety and performance data and respond promptly to complaints and legal inquiries. These measures are intended to enhance transparency, rider safety, and accountability.
The Common Sense Institute reports that HB25-1291 could potentially eliminate up to 39,000 rideshare-related jobs in Colorado and reduce driver income by 50%. This is attributed to increased compliance costs and operational barriers for transportation network companies. The analysis suggests that the bill may lead companies to cease operations in the state due to unsustainable regulatory burdens, affecting both the gig workforce and consumers who depend on ridesharing for mobility.
Statista reports that over 150 million people in the U.S. used ridesharing services in 2023, with the industry generating over $85 billion in gross bookings. This positions the rideshare economy as a significant contributor to national transportation and employment infrastructure. Regulatory changes at the state level, such as HB25-1291, may have broader implications across the country.