General Assembly Raised Bill No. 415 seeks to improve safety measures for riders using transportation network companies (TNCs) by introducing new definitions and requirements. The bill defines "sexual misconduct" and establishes terms like "telemetric monitoring" and "safety anomaly" to address safety concerns. It mandates TNCs to implement real-time messaging in English and Spanish, allow gender preference selections for drivers and riders, and display driver information prior to rides. Additionally, TNCs must maintain a telemetric monitoring system to alert them to safety anomalies and provide emergency assistance options for riders. The bill also outlines prerequisites for TNC drivers, including background checks and disclosures regarding past sexual misconduct investigations.

The legislation further amends existing regulations by requiring annual criminal history checks for drivers, replacing the previous three-year interval, and mandates annual training on sexual misconduct prevention. Stricter eligibility criteria for drivers are established, disqualifying those with certain traffic violations or criminal convictions within specified timeframes. TNCs must also adopt policies prohibiting drug or alcohol use while providing rides and investigate complaints regarding suspected substance use. The bill imposes a civil penalty for failing to accommodate service animals and criminalizes unauthorized individuals posing as TNC drivers. It sets specific vehicle requirements and mandates that TNCs maintain driver certification records for at least three years. The effective date for these provisions is October 1, 2026, and the bill amends sections 13b-116(8) to (10), 13b-118(a), and 13b-119 of current law.

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