DENVER (KDVR) — A bill moving through Colorado’s legislature could force major changes to how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate — and Uber says if it passes, it may have to shut down service in the state.
House Bill 1291 would require stricter safety measures for rideshare drivers, including mandatory dash cameras, audio recordings of rides, and a ban on driving after using marijuana. The proposal also includes increased driver accountability standards.
Uber officials say they support improved safety but argue that the bill, as written, is impossible to enforce.
“Our problem with this bill is not about safety — it’s that it would be impossible for us to comply with,” said Adam Blinick, a spokesperson for Uber. “That could mean tens of thousands of Coloradans lose a valuable earning opportunity, and hundreds of thousands lose access to a safe ride.”
Blinick also raised concerns about legal liability, saying the bill could make the company responsible for even minor driver actions, such as offering a passenger a water bottle.
Legal experts say Uber’s concerns center on potential lawsuits.
“This bill imposes significant obligations on rideshare companies, and with that comes liability,” said FOX31 legal analyst Christopher Decker. “Uber sees this as too costly and risky.”
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jenny Willford, introduced the legislation after she says she was sexually assaulted by a Lyft driver last year.
“This legislation is personal to me,” Willford said. “After sharing my story, I heard from many other survivors who had similar experiences. Uber and Lyft have a pervasive safety problem and haven’t been held accountable.”
Willford said lawmakers made revisions to address company concerns but were “blindsided” by Uber’s announcement that they might leave Colorado.
Riders themselves are split on the proposal — some say additional safety measures would provide peace of mind, while others worry about losing convenient transportation options.
House Bill 1291 is about halfway through the legislative process, with two weeks left in the current session. Lyft also issued a statement saying it supports safety improvements but believes implementing the bill as it stands would be challenging.
Lawmakers are expected to hold another vote on the bill in the coming days.
