A measure aimed at regulating ride-booking companies like Uber and Lyft has cleared its first hurdle.
The House Transportation and Public Works Committee voted 8-3 on Thursday to approve a proposal that would require such services to provide insurance and conduct rigorous background checks on drivers
Rep. Monica Youngblood of Albuquerque and Sen. Phil Griego of San Jose are sponsoring the bipartisan legislation as state officials wrestle with how to respond to the expansion of Uber and Lyft in the state.
The approve came a day after New Mexico regulators tabled a decision to allow Lyft to operate in the state while lawmakers debate the future of such companies.
Last year, the Public Regulation Commission ordered the San Francisco-based Lyft to cease operations in Albuquerque.
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