Gov. Sam Brownback on Monday vetoed an “Uber” bill, that would have set up rules for companies that provide a ride-booking service.
Uber is a transportation service that allows a driver to use a personal vehicle to transport others in pre-arranged rides for money.
The bill set up some rules for Uber drivers, including establishing minimum car insurance coverage and calling for driver background checks.
In his veto message, the governor called the bill “premature.” It was the governor’s first veto this session.
“To overregulate or improperly regulate an emerging industry before the marketplace actors make proper arrangements is to invite more, problems, not less,” the governor said in his statement.
He said this would allow companies like Uber to continue and expand operations in Kansas, where they otherwise would not be able to do so.
“I also applaud the legislature’s interest in protecting the safety of our citizens,” Brownback said in the statement. “I strongly support background checks for ride-sharing drivers. However, the ride-sharing industry believes the background requirement as currently written, weakens rather than strengthens, the level of scrutiny placed on its potential drivers.
“Therefore, I believe more time, more collaboration, and more discussion will ultimately result in a better public policy product for Kansas,” he said. “In the meantime, local municipalities will regulate the ride-sharing industry just as they have always done with traditional passenger transportation companies. At this moment in time, they are better equipped to understand the unique and emerging challenges and opportunities the ride-sharing industry brings to their communities.”