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More protections are coming for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash drivers in Colorado
There will be more transparency for Colorado’s delivery and hail drivers.
Governor Jared Polis signed two bills this week that would require expanded disclosure of trip data for drivers on platforms like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash.
SB24-075, also called the Transportation Network Company Transparency Bill, directs companies to disclose how much of the cost of the ride goes to the company and not to the driver. The bill also ensures drivers know the destination and expected fee for a ride before accepting it.
Lawmakers also sought to address driver deactivations, which advocates and administrators say can be arbitrary and unexplained. Studies show that immigrants and people of color are fired from their jobs at much higher rates.
As part of this bill, the state will certify a “driver assistance organization,” which can help drivers deal with deactivations.
Last year, the deactivation language sparked significant opposition from taxi companies and sex abuse advocacy groups, which argued the law could force companies to rehire dangerous drivers. The 2023 bill would have created a state-run review board to oversee cases in which the companies booted drivers after complaints.
HB24-1129Titled the Protections for Delivery Network Company Drivers Bill, it attempts to cover similar issues on the delivery driver side.
The law prohibits delivery companies from reducing the amount they pay a driver based on the consumer’s tip, and requires companies to pay drivers the full tip amount.
Drivers will also see a new internal deactivation dispute process on their apps, which will allow them to face reconsideration meetings or administrative reviews.
The bill gives drivers at least one minute to decide whether to accept a delivery job.
“Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. Too often, hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry value so highly,” Rep. Stephanie Vigil, a Colorado Springs Democrat and bill sponsor, said in a statement. “This new law will improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their jobs.”
Unlike the previous session, this year lawmakers have chosen to split driver protections into two separate bills. Advocates and companies say the procedures faced by delivery companies are not the same as those faced by taxi platforms and as such should be legislated.
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