Poker players would no longer be able to use ride sharing platforms to get around Las Vegas under a piece of legislation working its way through Nevada’s government.

Senate Bill 226, which was introduced in February, was amended about a week ago and it includes provisions that would require Uber and Lyft drivers to obtain business licenses, including a permit from the Nevada Transportation Authority.

Income for an Uber driver varies by city, but an hourly wage of just $8-$13 is common.

To make matters worse, the bill would require drivers to have a minimum of $1.5 million in insurance coverage. According to Uber and Lyft, that would be the highest in the U.S.

“The Nevada Legislature is contemplating a radical transportation proposal that will move the state backward," said Internet Association Director Robert Callahan, who represents the ride sharing companies, along with internet giants Amazon, Google and Facebook.

“This proposed regulatory scheme is nothing more than a thinly veiled effort to recreate the old taxicab monopoly by eliminating ridesharing services from the state,” Callahan added. "If this proposal is passed, Nevada will become the only state in the nation to reject progress and better accessibility to transportation options for its residents. This proposal would limit choice for consumers and kill innovation. Carson City should instead focus on passing smart laws that will benefit all Nevadans and the state’s visitors.”

 

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