Hassan signs Uber bill

This week Gov. Maggie Hassan signed HB 1697, a bill to regulate ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. 

The bill requires ride-sharing companies to perform background checks on drivers and purchase commercial insurance for vehicles, among other provisions. The bill also says municipalities cannot regulate ride-sharing companies.

Bill supporters argue that a set of standard statewide regulations will help ride-sharing companies operate in the granite state. Uber supports the new law.

"Ridesharing services such as Uber are leading the shared economy and can help make our state more attractive for students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and visitors alike, which will help our families, businesses and economy continue to grow and thrive," said Gov. Hassan. 

Bill opponents argued that municipalities should be allowed to regulate ride-sharing companies in a similar fashion to taxi companies.

"Innovative business models should not enjoy special legislative protections that place existing industries at a disadvantage," said Rep. Werner Horn. 

Do you support statewide ride-sharing regulations, or would you like your town to be able to regulate Uber and Lyft? Let us know in the comments.