The Oregon Legislative Assembly has introduced Senate Bill 1166, which proposes new regulations for transportation network companies. The bill aims to impose oversight and cost mandates on these companies.
According to the Oregon Legislature’s bill summary, Senate Bill 1166 was introduced in response to national and local debates concerning labor protections for gig economy workers, particularly ride-share drivers. In Oregon, advocacy groups representing drivers have expressed concerns about issues such as deactivations, inconsistent income, and the lack of benefits. The bill reflects broader efforts across states like New York and California to regulate or reclassify app-based work, extending workplace protections to independent contractors.
In a related development in May 2024, Minnesota lawmakers passed a comprehensive bill establishing minimum pay rates and expanding labor protections for Uber and Lyft drivers. This followed months of negotiations and a previous veto by Governor Tim Walz. The legislation is expected to be signed into law and will set a statewide wage floor, outline deactivation procedures, increase insurance requirements, and mandate transparency in driver pay. It also prevents cities like Minneapolis from setting their own higher wage standards—a contentious issue that nearly led Uber and Lyft to exit the Twin Cities.
The Oregon Legislative Assembly operates as a bicameral legislature with a 30-member Senate and a 60-member House of Representatives. Members are elected from single-member districts during even-numbered years. Senators serve four-year terms with staggered elections, while representatives serve two-year terms. Each chamber selects a presiding officer to manage its legislative functions.