Texas State Senator Proposes Ridesharing Regulation

One local Texas state senator wants to put an end to the wide-range of rules in Texas for ridesharing. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) filed a bill Monday -- the first day of filing for the 84th Legislative Session -- to create a consistent regulation of services like Uber and Lyft across the state. Schwertner first brought up the idea in May when Austin put rules in place that led to Uber and Lyft leaving the city. Other cities have dealt with issues with regulating ridesharing. Schwertner, who represents most of the Brazos Valley in Austin, says his bill would require national background checks on all ride-sharing drivers. It also would make the companies get an operating permit in Texas. Plus, there would be a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.