Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection

     Current law requires that, before an individual is permitted to act as a transportation network company (TNC) driver through the use of a TNC's digital network, the individual shall obtain a criminal history record check. The bill requires that the TNC:

• If the TNC has 1,500 or more drivers operating on its digital network, pay for the required criminal history record check for an individual before the individual is permitted to act as a driver;
• Procure a privately administered criminal history record check for a driver at least once every 6 months after the initial criminal history record check; and
• Procure a privately administered criminal history record check if a person files a complaint against a driver with the TNC or the public utilities commission (commission) regarding specified allegations. The TNC shall pay the costs of the privately administered criminal history record checks.

     A TNC shall initiate a review of a driver for deactivation if the TNC is notified through a complaint filed with the TNC or the commission or is contacted by the commission, the attorney general's office, a district attorney's office, or a law enforcement agency regarding certain allegations against the driver. A driver who has been deactivated may challenge the deactivation through the TNC's deactivation and suspension policy. The bill requires the commission to create a process by rule for sharing information between TNCs regarding the deactivation of drivers.

     If a person files a complaint against a TNC or a driver, the TNC shall respond to a subpoena or search warrant for information related to the complaint from a court, the attorney general's office, a district attorney's office, the commission, or a law enforcement agency no later than 72 hours after the request is made.

     A TNC shall ensure that a driver or rider may opt in to audio and video recording of each prearranged ride and integrate audio and video recording into the TNC's digital platform in accordance with rules adopted by the commission. On or before June 1, 2028, the commission shall also adopt rules regarding the audio and video recording requirements, including rules regarding access to, ownership of, storage of, notification about, and education on the audio and video recordings.

     A provision in a contract between a TNC and a driver or rider is declared void as against public policy if the provision attempts or purports to waive specified rights.

     The bill requires that, on or before February 1, 2027, and on or before February 1 each year thereafter, a TNC shall submit specified data related to incidents involving safety and discrimination to the commission, the attorney general, and each member of the general assembly.

     The bill requires a TNC to develop policies to:

• Prevent imposter drivers, account sharing, and account renting;
• Prevent sexual assault, physical assault, and homicide against or committed by the TNC's drivers;
• Prohibit the transportation of an unaccompanied youth who is under 15 years old unless the youth is part of a duly authorized family account;
• Allow a driver to refuse a prearranged ride to an individual who is not authorized to use the account requesting the prearranged ride;
• Notify and train drivers and riders of any updates to TNC safety policies;
• Prohibit drivers from offering, selling, or providing food or beverages that are not factory-sealed to riders;
• Require drivers to report information regarding a conviction of or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to specified offenses; and
• Prevent crimes committed against drivers by riders.

     A TNC is prohibited from:

• Altering the rating a rider assigned to a driver or the rating a driver assigned to a rider on a TNC's digital platform;
• Assigning an automatic or default driver rating that the rider did not assign; or
• Assigning an automatic or default rider rating that the driver did not assign.

     A TNC may delete ratings or reviews that are motivated by fraud or bias. A TNC shall not consider negative ratings or reviews that are motivated by fraud or bias in a review of a driver for deactivation or an internal deactivation reconsideration.

     A TNC is prohibited from collecting biometric data or biometric identifiers from a driver or rider without first obtaining the consent of the driver or rider. If a TNC collects biometric data or biometric identifiers from a driver or rider, the TNC shall comply with specified provisions of the 'Colorado Privacy Act' regarding biometric data and biometric identifiers.

     A TNC that violates the bill may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $1,500 per violation.


(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)