Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law Friday to provide statewide regulations for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, according to a statement released late Friday night.
The bill requires companies to conduct background checks on all of their drivers and obtain a state license to operate. These regulations preempt any local ordinances cities have passed, including laws in Madison that have effectively banned the companies.
“This bill’s broad, bipartisan support in the State Legislature highlights the importance of providing affordable transportation options for all our citizens while maintaining strict safety measures,” Walker said in the statement.
The governor signed the bill the same week as two women reported being sexually assaulted by their Uber drivers in Madison. Those incidents prompted several Dane County legislators to urge Walker not to sign the bill.
Walker also directed the Department of Safety and Professional Services to immediately begin drafting the administrative rules for obtaining a license to operate a rideshare company.
