2015 -- S 1005

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

COMPANY SERVICES

     Introduced By: Senator Maryellen Goodwin

     Date Introduced: June 18, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 39 of the General Laws entitled "PUBLIC UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 14.2

TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES

     39-14.2-1. Purpose. -- The purpose of this chapter is to establish state regulation to

ensure the public safety, consumer protection and lawful conduct in the provision of

transportation network services, while revising the regulatory conditions for taxi-cabs.

     39-14.2-2. Definitions. – As used in this chapter: (1) "Division" means the RI division of

public utilities and carriers.

     (2) "Person" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation, or other

association of individuals.

     (3) "State agencies" means the departments of commerce, business regulation, and labor

and training.

     (4) "Transportation network company" or "TNC" means a person who uses a digital

network or software application service to connect passengers to transportation provided by TNC

drivers. A TNC is not deemed to own, control, operate or manage the vehicles used by the TNC

drivers. A TNC is not a jitney as defined in § 39-13-1, a taxi-cab or limited public motor coach as

defined in § 39-14-1, or a public motor vehicle as defined in § 39-14.1-1, or a common carrier as

defined in title 39. TNCs may be further defined by the division through regulation.

     (5) "Transportation network company driver" or "TNC driver" means a person who

operates a motor vehicle that is owned, leased or otherwise authorized for use by the person to

provide TNC services through an agreement with a TNC to receive connections to potential

passengers in exchange for the payment of a fee to the TNC.

     39-14.2-3. Regulations. – (a) Every person owning or operating a transportation network

company, and every person engaged or to be engaged as a TNC driver providing a TNC service,

is subject to the jurisdiction of the division.

     (b) On or before November 30, 2015, the division, in consultation with and including the

recommendations of the state agencies as defined in this chapter, shall promulgate regulations to

protect the public safety relating to both TNC drivers and vehicles used by TNC drivers to

provide TNC services. The division shall establish minimum automobile insurance requirements

including gap-coverage, provide reasonable fare protections, reinforce the application of the state

sales tax, and any other regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the purpose of this

chapter. Said regulations shall be developed in accordance with the administrative procedures act,

in chapter 35 of title 42, including the inclusion of public comment.

     (c) On or before November 30, 2015, the division, in consultation with and including the

recommendations of the state agencies as defined in this chapter, shall revise and modernize the

current regulations for taxi-cab or limited public motor coaches as defined in § 39-14-1. Said

regulations shall be revised in accordance with the administrative procedures act, in chapter 35 of

title 42, including the inclusion of public comment.

     (d) On or before December 31, 2015, the division, in consultation with and including the

recommendations of the state agencies as defined in this chapter, shall provide recommendations

to the governor and the general assembly regarding any statutory changes deemed necessary to

fully implement the purposes of this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

COMPANY SERVICES

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     This act would establish state regulation over transportation network companies,

transportation network services, and transportation network drivers as well as the revision of taxi-

cab or limited public motor coach regulations.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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