Staff Reports
The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee approved a bill to regulate transportation network companies, like Uber and Lyft. The bill establishes minimum insurance requirements, requires background screenings and includes consumer protection provisions.
Stephanie Smith, senior manager, public policy for Uber Technologies: “The bipartisan vote in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee is another step toward ensuring Florida doesn’t fall behind the transportation innovation curve. Thank you to Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) for his constant support and advocacy for ridesharing in the state.
Uber’s goal is to empower people through mobility, with the safety of our riders and drivers at the forefront of every decision we make. We will continue to work to create a statewide regulatory framework so that drivers and riders have access to ridesharing no matter where they live in Florida.”
Chelsea Harrison, senior policy communications manager for Lyft: “We are grateful for Sen. Brandes’ advocacy on this important issue and applaud the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee for approving this legislation. This is a significant step toward a uniform, statewide framework for modern options like Lyft and we look forward to continuing to advocate for expanded consumer choice that keeps public safety first.”
Logan McFaddin, regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America: “PCI commends the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and Senator Brandes for acknowledging insurance gaps when a driver is engaged in rideshare activity. PCI and our members strongly support making sure rideshare drivers and their passengers are protected from the time the driver turns the app on until the app is turned off.
This is yet another critical step in making sure Florida’s rideshare drivers have adequate insurance coverage if an accident were to occur. PCI and our members have been out front on this issue in Florida and other states and will remain engaged in working on a responsible solution that protects all Floridians.
Our top priority is to protect drivers and the public by closing the insurance gaps and this bill accomplishes that goal. PCI looks forward to continued dialogue to ensure the coverage gaps that leave consumers at risk are closed. Model legislation has already passed in 43 states, and it’s time for Florida to do the same.”
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The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee also approved a bill dealing with public deposits and credit unions.
Patrick La Pine, president and CEO of League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates: “We commend members of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee for choosing to take a much-needed step forward by supporting Senate Bill 1170, which would allow credit unions to accept deposits from public entities, and grant such entities greater freedom for their financial needs. This bill will not only allow communities to keep their funds within their local communities, but ensure the banking needs of universities and local governments, to name a few, are properly and adequately met.
We also thank the bill’s sponsor, Senator Hutson, for his commitment to making 2017 the year depository choice passes, as we truly believe it is in the best interest of Florida’s taxpayer-funded public entities to have a choice to meet their financial needs.”
