The New Hampshire House has given its initial approval for a bill that would set regulations for ridesharing companies operating in the state, such as Uber.
The bill would require ridesharing companies to secure a permit from the Department of Safety, with an annual cost of $500. Additionally, the bill requires ridesharing companies to provide receipts for all the trips they offer, and that their drivers must have motor vehicle insurance.
On top of enforcing requirements, the bill prohibits people from offering ridesharing services if they have been convicted of driving under the influence, used a vehicle to commit a felony, are on the national sex offender registry, do not have a driver’s license, and so on.
To be put into effect, the bill must pass the New Hampshire Senate.
Prior to the bill’s proposal, several taxi companies in the region have complained that ridesharing companies were not subjected to the same strict restrictions taxis have. Moreover, cities such as Manchester and Portsmouth had difficulty coming up with their own methods of regulating ridesharing companies in their areas.
