LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Competing legislation in the Michigan House and Senate would take different approaches to regulating services like Uber and Lyft that allow people to request rides using smartphone applications.
The two Republican-sponsored packages have ignited a debate over how much local control is appropriate for creating and enforcing certain regulations.
A mix of local and state regulations governs limo and taxi services. A House package would create separate regulations for ride-hailing services, to be handled by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Local governments would be prohibited from setting their own regulations or fees.
The Senate package would leave more control with local governments, who say they support the expansion of ride-hailing services but need to set regulations that fit their communities’ needs.