Ohio Governor Signs TNC Legislation; Insurance Protections Gain Significant Foothold in 2015
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor John Kasich recently signed legislation (HB 237) which helps to protect transportation network companies’ (TNC) drivers, their passengers and the public by closing the gaps in insurance coverage that existed, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).
“The bill establishes TNC insurance requirements from the time the app is turned on until it is turned off and provides a new framework for this burgeoning industry, as well as updates traditional livery regulations within the state,” said Jeffrey Junkas, assistant vice president, state government relations for PCI. “This is another example of the significant progress that has been made since firms like Uber and Lyft began operating in Ohio two years ago. Since that time, the insurance industry and the TNCs developed model legislation that outlines a balanced, common sense approach to insurance coverage and some insurers have developed specialized products for the TNC market.”
At the end of 2014, only California, Colorado, the District of Columbia and Illinois had passed legislation addressing TNC insurance issues. However, this year, aided by the development of the model legislative language, 25 states enacted laws that provide sound insurance regulations while supporting innovation in the transportation sector.
“With 29 states having enacted TNC legislation, the industry is focused on the remaining states,” said Junkas. “There is pending legislation in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and as the 2016 legislative sessions convene, we expect to see additional bills introduced around the country. Putting in place the protections that are now available in states like Ohio will continue to be a high priority for PCI and industry as many of the states that have not enacted laws have large populations served by the TNC industry.”
The 29 states with TNC laws or regulations include: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington. For more detailed information visit PCI's Issue Status Map.
