Branstad says he’s inclined to support Uber driver checks

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he is 'favorably inclined” to sign into law new statewide regulations for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.

State lawmakers last week gave final approval to the legislation. Its provisions would include requiring ride-hailing drivers to pass a background check and obtain a permit through the state transportation department.

'I haven't had a chance to review it yet, but I'm very familiar with Uber, and it's really made a big difference, I think, and so I guess I'd be favorably inclined,” Branstad said Monday. 'But I want to reserve judgment until I see exactly what it does.”

Uber operates under local regulations in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Ames. Uber has served more than 100,000 Iowans and is considering more Iowa cities, company officials have said.

City officials confirmed the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area is among those under consideration.

The legislation addresses a dispute between Uber and state banks over insurance requirements. Banks want a requirement for drivers to carry comprehensive and collision insurance; Uber called the requirement 'unworkable” and threatened to leave the state if the provision became law.

The final legislation doesn't require drivers to carry comprehensive and collision insurance but requires ride-hailing drivers using cars with liens to notify the lienholder.

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