Illinois Lawmakers Advance Ridesharing Rules

Illinois lawmakers have advanced a plan to create rules for unregulated ridesharing companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.

An Illinois Senate committee voted to approve two pieces of legislation this week. The proposals would create two tiers of regulations for the ridesharing industry, which operates primarily in larger cities like Chicago.

All drivers would need to pass background checks and have commercial liability insurance. Drivers working more than 36 hours in a two-week period would need to follow stricter regulations similar to taxis

Cab company representatives said ridesharing companies should play by the rules governing taxis. But a Lyft spokesman said the regulations would stifle business and innovation.

The measure sponsored by Chicago Democratic state Sen. Tony Munoz moves to the full Senate.