Uber has issued a warning to the state of Colorado, indicating the possibility of terminating its operations there if a newly proposed bill concerning rideshare companies becomes law. The Colorado House of Representatives recently passed legislation on April 16 aimed at enhancing protections for those interacting with transportation network companies. The bill includes provisions such as mandatory criminal background checks for drivers every six months and the requirement for both audio and video recordings of trips.
This bill, known as HB25-1291, passed with a 59-6 bipartisan vote and has now been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Business, Labor, & Technology. Following amendments, it moved to the Committee of the Whole in a 4-3 vote. The state Senate intends to review the bill in an upcoming session.
Concerns from Uber focus on potential issues the bill could introduce, such as legal challenges stemming from drivers providing food and drinks to passengers. Uber also opposes a requirement to reimburse drivers for audio and video recording equipment. The company argues that the bill imposes significant financial and technical burdens without delivering a clear safety benefit. Uber advocates for evidence-based safety policies rather than what it perceives as superficial legislative measures.
In a statement to KKTV11, an Uber spokesperson expressed apprehensions about the bill’s implications, warning that it could threaten user privacy and that the company might be forced to stop operations in Colorado if the bill is enacted in its current form.
Historically, Uber has threatened to withdraw from various cities and states due to legislative disagreements but seldom acts on these threats post-legislation. An instance occurred in 2024 when Uber and Lyft threatened to exit Minneapolis following the city council’s override of the mayor’s veto on a minimum wage ordinance for drivers. However, Uber and Lyft later decided to continue operations after Minnesota legislators enacted a state-wide measure to increase driver compensation at a lower rate than the Minneapolis ordinance demanded.
Fox Business has reached out to both Uber and the Colorado General Assembly for comments on the situation.
