Lawmakers work to update state’s motor vehicle code
By News Staff
The Associated Press
Lawmakers are trying to ensure that ride-hailing companies now operating in Rhode Island are covered by state law.
The legislative commission that’s working to update the motor vehicle code is meeting Tuesday with the general manager of Uber for Rhode Island and Massachusetts and a taxi industry representative.
The last major revisions to the act occurred in 1950. Much of it hasn’t changed since.
Commission co-chairman Rep. John Edwards says it needs a good overhaul. He says new companies and the impact of innovative technologies on the market should be addressed and included in the law.
Edwards says he wants to ensure ride-hailing companies are paying taxes, and there are standardized requirements for insurance and background checks.
Neither Uber nor Lyft has registered to file sales tax in Rhode Island.
(C) WLNE-TV 2015
