Lawmakers to debate regulating ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft; what's at stake?

MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are scheduled to debate a bill that would regulate ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.

The Assembly is expected to take up the measure Tuesday. An Assembly committee passed the bill last week on an 11-2 vote.

Regulating companies like Uber and Lyft, which connect pedestrians with private drivers through a smartphone app, has become a hot topic as they've increased in popularity and compete with taxi and limo companies.

Under the measure, the companies would have to purchase a $5,000 license, conduct driver background checks and maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance. The proposal would also prohibit drivers from discriminating against passengers because of race, religion, sex or disability.

Assembly approval would move the bill to the Senate.