UPDATED May 7, 2025
The Colorado Senate has given preliminary approval to a newly amended bill aimed at improving safety for users of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Senate Bill 25-1291, known as the Accountability, Transparency, and Protection for Exploited Youth Act, was introduced following concerns over the safety of riders using these services. The bill has undergone significant changes following strong opposition from Uber, which had previously threatened to leave the state if the legislation passed in its original form.
What’s New in the Latest Amendments
- Opt-in for Recording: The most notable amendment allows both drivers and riders to opt in to audio and video recording rather than requiring it for all rides. This change comes after Uber raised concerns over the original mandate, which would have required continuous recording during every ride. Despite this change, supporters of the bill argue that the option to record is still a critical step toward preventing sexual assault and misconduct.
- Scope of Lawsuits Narrowed: The revised bill now limits lawsuits against drivers to specific offenses such as sexual assault, kidnapping, personal injury, and death. This narrows the scope compared to the original bill, which would have allowed for broader legal action.
- Compliance and Reporting: Companies will now have more time (7 days instead of 72 hours) to review complaints against drivers. Additionally, ride-share companies are now required to enforce random compliance checks to ensure drivers are not offering food or drinks to passengers, a provision that was initially stricter.
Sen. Faith Winter introduced the bill in response to rising ride-share safety concerns, after Uber reported 2,717 sexual assault incidents in 2021 and 2022, mostly involving riders. The bill aims to hold ride-sharing companies accountable for better safety measures.
Originally, the bill required continuous audio and video recording during rides. However, after pushback from Uber, it was amended to allow drivers and riders the option to consent to recording. Despite this change, sponsors believe recording is a key deterrent against misconduct.
Further amendments narrow lawsuits to cases of sexual assault, kidnapping, personal injury, and death. The bill also mandates random checks for drivers offering food or drinks, requires companies to review complaints within seven days, and extends the timeline for safety compliance.
While Uber has expressed concerns over the amendments, the bill has broad legislative support. It will be voted on Wednesday, the last day of the 2025 session, before heading to the governor for approval.
This legislation responds to over 15,000 reported incidents of assault in ride-sharing services between 2017 and 2022. Rep. Jenny Willford, a survivor herself, champions the bill to protect passengers and hold companies accountable.
Original Article Begins Here
The Colorado House has reportedly passed a new bill aimed at strengthening safety requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. The bill, HB25-1291, passed by a vote of 59-6 and was introduced by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, both of whom are outspoken advocates for rideshare safety following personal experiences with abuse.
The bill is designed to establish crucial safety measures to protect riders and drivers from sexual assault and other forms of misconduct. The legislation proposes enhanced background checks, mandatory audio and video recordings of all rides, and increased transparency from rideshare companies regarding assault and harassment complaints.
Background Checks and Safety Requirements
Under the new bill, TNCs will be required to conduct and pay for more rigorous background checks every six months for their drivers. Drivers with convictions related to assault, harassment, kidnapping, domestic violence, or impersonating a driver would be banned from driving with rideshare companies. Furthermore, drivers who are banned from one company for serious safety concerns are reported to be barred from all TNCs in Colorado.
“Between 2017 and 2022, over 15,000 riders were reportedly sexually assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride,” said Rep. Meg Froelich. “This bill aims to improve safety by requiring companies to address complaints within 48 hours and disclose the number of assaults and complaints each year.”
Transparency and Accountability
The bill also reportedly mandates improved transparency from rideshare companies. TNCs would be required to submit annual reports to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and the Attorney General’s Office. These reports would include details about assaults, harassment, and other complaints, further increasing accountability within the industry.
One of the most significant provisions of the bill is the requirement for audio and video recordings of all rides, from pickup to drop-off, which is intended to deter and document inappropriate behavior. Additionally, rideshare companies would be required to prevent account sharing and impersonation, while ensuring that minors are safely transported during rides.
The Importance of These Changes
The introduction of this bill follows troubling trends in rideshare safety. According to reports, over 15,500 Uber and Lyft riders and drivers were allegedly sexually assaulted between 2017 and 2022. However, experts suggest the actual number is likely much higher, as only about 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported. Proponents of the bill hope that these changes will have a significant impact on the safety of both passengers and drivers in Colorado.
Rep. Jenny Willford, who was reportedly a victim of sexual assault during a Lyft ride, emphasized that this bill is not just about her personal experience, but about the thousands of survivors who have suffered because rideshare companies have allegedly failed to ensure safety. “Justice for survivors begins with real action—this bill establishes critical safety standards that will save lives and prevent further harm,” Willford said.
