SB 255

This bill makes several changes to the laws governing transportation network

companies (TNCs) and their participating drivers in Wisconsin, including the

following:

1. Requires each TNC to establish complaint procedures for 1) reporting a

participating driver's discrimination against a passenger or prospective passenger;

and 2) reporting a participating driver's suspected sex offense or crime involving

fraud, theft, damage to property, violence, an act of terror, or the use of a motor

vehicle in the commission of a crime. Under current law, a TNC is required to

establish complaint procedures only with respect to reporting violations of the TNC's

required policy of zero tolerance for a participating driver's use of drugs or alcohol.

2. Requires that a TNC immediately suspend a participating driver who is the

subject of a complaint described above, investigate the complaint, and maintain all

records of the investigation for at least two years. Those requirements currently

apply only with respect to complaints alleging violations of a TNC's zero tolerance

drug and alcohol policy.

3. Requires a TNC to inform the Department of Safety and Professional

Services of each complaint the TNC receives with respect to a subject matter covered

by the complaint procedures required under the bill and under current law. The TNC

must also inform DSPS once a complaint is resolved.

4. Requires each participating driver to prominently display a copy of his or her

driver's license and a copy of the TNC's complaint procedures in the participating

driver's vehicle.

5. Requires a TNC to have a third party conduct a criminal background check

for each individual applying to be a participating driver for the TNC. Currently, a

TNC has the option to conduct the criminal background check itself.

6. Raises the potential monetary penalty from $1,000 to $5,000 for a TNC

violating laws governing transportation network services and from $1,000 to $2,500

for all other persons violating those laws.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime,

the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a

report.