Committee advances 80/20 rideshare bill after long testimony; amendment narrows calculation and bill goes to Appropriations

House Business Affairs and Labor Committee heard House Bill 12‑73, a sponsor‑led measure that would require transportation network companies to pay drivers at least 80% of a passenger fare after specified pass‑throughs. Sponsors framed the bill as a fairness measure to give drivers a predictable and larger share of passenger payments.

Sponsor case and illustrative math: Sponsors opened with an illustrative example and a short “trivia” exercise showing how platform fees, insurance and promos can leave drivers with a small share of a fare. Sponsors said the measure would not ban platforms but would ensure the worker performing the trip receives the bulk of the fare. They proposed and later offered an amendment calculating the eight‑to‑twenty split after taxes, airport fees, and tips.

Driver testimony and consumer concerns: Scores of drivers, worker organizers and co‑op representatives testified in support. Drivers described hours worked, vehicle and maintenance costs, and reported take‑home pay as low as 15% to 46% on some trips. Witnesses described how sign‑up bonuses and incentive structures can mask declining per‑ride pay over time and said the resulting unpredictability leaves drivers economically vulnerable.

Opposition from platforms and business groups: Representatives from Uber, Lyft and business coalitions urged the committee to reject the bill, warning that a statutory take‑rate cap would force platforms either to absorb mandated costs or raise rider fares and that mandated per‑ride percentage ceilings are incompatible with dynamic marketplace pricing. Platform witnesses said required commercial insurance and certain government fees already consume a meaningful share of fares and pointed to market reactions in other cities as cautionary examples.

Amendment and committee action: Sponsors offered Amendment 3 to calculate the 80/20 split after passenger‑paid taxes, airport fees, pass‑throughs and tips. The committee adopted Amendment 3. After recorded debate and votes, the final motion to send HB 12‑73 as amended to Appropriations passed on a roll call recorded in the transcript (7‑6).

What happens next: With the amendment adopted and the committee vote recorded, HB 12‑73 will move to the Committee on Appropriations for further consideration. Sponsors said they remain open to further dialogue; platform representatives said they will continue to press for market‑based solutions.