The proposed bill introduces Chapter 14.4 to Title 39 of the General Laws, establishing mandatory national and state criminal background checks for drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation services in Rhode Island. This legislation requires drivers to undergo fingerprinting and bear the costs associated with the background checks. It defines key terms such as "driver," "background check clearance certificate," and "disqualifying information," which includes serious offenses that would bar an individual from obtaining the necessary clearance to operate as a driver for taxicabs, public motor vehicles, or transportation network companies (TNCs). Importantly, the bill allows individuals with certain criminal records, including juvenile adjudications or annulled convictions, to still qualify for a background check clearance certificate, provided they can demonstrate sufficient rehabilitation.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for obtaining a background clearance certificate, which is valid for five years, and establishes a denial and appeal process for applicants whose certificates are denied. The division of public utilities and carriers is responsible for issuing these certificates and must consider various factors, such as the time elapsed since a conviction and the nature of the crime, when evaluating applicants. The legislation also mandates the destruction of fingerprint records post-background checks and requires TNC operators to conduct periodic checks on their drivers. Notably, the bill clarifies that obtaining a background clearance certificate is a separate requirement from other licensing processes, with several insertions made to specify criteria for TNC drivers and the appeal process, while deleting redundant language regarding licensing requirements. Overall, this bill aims to enhance public safety by preventing individuals with significant criminal histories from operating for-hire transportation services.