WEST virginia Legislature

2017 regular session

Introduced

Senate Bill 343

By Senator Beach

[Introduced February 17, 2017; Referred
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; then to the Committee on Government Organization; and then to the Committee on the Judiciary]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto two new sections, designated §17-29-15a and §17-29-15b, all relating to prohibiting transportation network company drivers from soliciting rides or occupying designated cab stands; requiring such drivers to register annually with the local county commission at the commission’s discretion; and criminal penalties. 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto two new sections, designated §17-29-15a and §17-29-15b, all to read as follows:

ARTICLE 29.  Transportation Network Companies.

§17-29-15a. Solicitation and cab stand occupation prohibited.

(a) A transportation network company driver may not solicit rides from potential customers nor may he or she occupy a designated taxi cab stand.

 (b) Violation of subsection (a) of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 for the first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.

§17-29-15b. Registration with county commission.

(a) A county commission may, at its discretion, require transportation network company drivers who work in its county to register annually. Original registration fees may not exceed $10. Renewal fees may not exceed $5.  The county commission shall provide a written permit for each applicant which permit must be posted for view by all riders when the vehicle is being used to provide a prearranged ride. The annual renewal is the responsibility of the transportation network company driver.

(b) Violation of subsection (a) of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 for the first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit transportation network company drivers from soliciting rides or occupying designated cab stands; to require such drivers to register annually with the local county commission at the commission’s discretion; and to provide criminal penalties. 

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.