Bill to cut fares for Uber and Lyft heads to Gov. Newsom's desk

"The bill aims to reduce the cost of rideshare services for Californians by removing the requirement that rideshare drivers carry $1 million in coverage for accidents caused by other drivers who are uninsured or under-insured - a cost that today is passed on to riders in fees. The bill will lower the requirement to $60,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per individual and $300,000 per accident."

"SB 371 is a companion bill to AB 1340, by Assembly members Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman, that establishes a legal framework allowing rideshare drivers to organize, choose a union, and negotiate the terms and conditions of their work with the transportation network companies. The bill aims to improve drivers' working conditions while complying with existing laws like Proposition 22, which defines drivers as independent contractors, not employees."

SB 371 reduces the uninsured motorist coverage requirement for rideshare drivers from $1 million to $60,000 per individual and $300,000 per accident, lowering a cost that is currently passed to riders through fees. The measure cleared the Senate and Assembly by overwhelming bipartisan margins and now awaits gubernatorial signature with the governor's public support. The bill aligns with AB 1340, which creates a legal framework for drivers to organize, choose a union, and negotiate terms while maintaining independent contractor status under Proposition 22. Sponsors include Uber and Lyft for SB 371 and SEIU California for AB 1340.

Read at The Mercury News