HB97 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David FaulknerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Transportation network companies, Public Service Commission permit required to operate, minimum requirements imposed

Summary

HB 97 would regulate transportation network companies in Alabama by requiring permits, driver and vehicle safety rules, local fee collection, and anti-discrimination measures, while restricting local taxes on these companies.

What This Bill Does

It would require each transportation network company to obtain a permit from the Public Service Commission, maintain an agent for service of process, and keep certain records. It would charge a 1% local assessment fee on gross trip fares for prearranged rides that originate in Alabama, remit the funds to the PSC, and have the PSC distribute a portion to the originating municipality or county. It sets safety, background check, insurance, and zero-tolerance policies for drivers, requires fare transparency and receipts, and mandates nondiscrimination and accessibility provisions. It also prohibits municipalities from imposing taxes or business licenses on TNCs, drivers, or vehicles, with some exceptions for airport-related fees.

Who It Affects

• Transportation network companies (TNCs) operating in Alabama, which must obtain a PSC permit, collect and remit local assessment fees, maintain records, and comply with safety, nondiscrimination, insurance, and documentation requirements.
• Municipalities and counties (local governments) and their residents, which would receive a portion of the local assessment fees based on where rides originate and would be restricted from imposing additional taxes or business licenses on TNCs, drivers, or vehicles.

Key Provisions

• Requires a Public Service Commission permit for a TNC to operate (existing operators may continue temporarily until a registration deadline).
• TNCs must maintain an agent for service of process and keep specified records.
• Imposes driver/vehicle safety and consumer protection requirements, including background checks, driving history checks, license/registration/insurance verification, and minimum driver age of 19.
• Adopts a zero-tolerance intoxicating substance policy for drivers and requires suspension pending investigation if a violation is alleged.
• Enforces nondiscrimination policies covering destination, race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity, plus compliance with service animal laws and no extra charges for disabilities.
• TNCs must display driver photo and vehicle license plate in the app before rider enters the vehicle; require fare disclosures or estimates.
• Imposes a 1% local assessment fee on gross trip fare for rides originating in-state; PSC distributes collected funds to municipalities and counties based on origin of trips, with limits on administrative fees.
• Prohibits local governments from imposing taxes or business licenses on TNCs, drivers, or vehicles; airports and certain authorities may charge specific fees.
• Requires TNCs to maintain auto insurance as required by state law and to provide electronic receipts listing trip details.
• Includes audit provisions, allowing periodic third-party audits of local fee compliance, with penalties for underpayment; records are generally protected from public disclosure.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation