Senate committee approves bill that would impose regulations on ride-sharing companies

MADISON (AP) — A bill that would impose statewide regulations on ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft has cleared a state Senate committee.

The Senate's government operations committee approved the bill 4-1 on Thursday, clearing the way for a vote in the full Senate perhaps as early as next week. The state Assembly overwhelmingly passed the measure earlier this week.

The bill would require ride-hailing companies to purchase a $5,000 license, conduct driver background checks and maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance. Drivers would be prohibited from discriminating against passengers because of race, religion, sex or disability.

Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, an Alma Democrat, cast the lone dissenting vote. She said local governments should regulate the industry, not the state.