Ride-hailing platforms must verify drivers before trips start

What it does

This bill, named after Sami Viitanen (a passenger killed by an unauthorized Uber driver in 2024), requires ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to implement digital verification systems so passengers can confirm their driver's identity before the trip starts, conduct annual criminal background checks on drivers including sex-offender registry searches, verify drivers' legal work authorization, and prohibits the sale of counterfeit ride-hailing signage. The bill aims to prevent fraudulent driver accounts and reduce physical and sexual assault on ride-hailing platforms.

Why we flagged it

The bill's operative mechanism is a regulatory mandate requiring ride-hailing platforms to implement safety technologies (driver verification, background checks, work authorization verification). The primary beneficiary is the riding public, not a private company or narrow interest. The bill is named after a deceased victim of a ride-hailing crime, which is protective legislation, not vanity.

What the text implies

• The opt-out provision (Section 3(b)) allows passengers to disable the verification system, potentially undermining the safety benefit for those who choose convenience over security.
• Annual background checks require only initial consent, then continuous monitoring without renewal of consent — a privacy trade-off that may not be transparent to drivers.
• The bill does not specify what happens to drivers who fail background checks or lose work authorization mid-contract, creating potential gaps in enforcement.
• Exemptions for third-party-facilitated trips (e.g., corporate ride programs) may create loopholes where verification is not required despite using TNC vehicles.
• The $5K–$20K daily penalty structure may be insufficient to deter large platforms with billions in revenue, limiting enforcement effectiveness.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Passengers gain concrete safety tools (pre-trip driver verification, criminal background checks, work authorization verification) that directly reduce risk of assault and fraud. Drivers also benefit from verification systems that protect them from impersonation. The compliance burden on TNCs is substantial but serves a legitimate public-safety purpose and does not restrict citizens' rights or remedies.

Who stands to gain

• background check service providers
• digital identity verification technology vendors
• ride-hailing platforms (reduced liability from safety improvements)

Named in the bill

Secretary of Transportation, Transportation Network Companies (Uber, Lyft, etc.), Federal Trade Commission, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, TNC drivers, TNC passengers

Where it stands

1 cosponsor: 1 Democrats.

• Oct 22, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Oct 22, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on the Budget and House Committee on Energy and Commerce · Congress.gov: “Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy…”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.