MarylandHB 04802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Transportation Network Companies - Deactivation of Operators

Sponsored By: Diana M. Fennell (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationAccidentsAppeals -see also- Judicial ReviewCertificationsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.ComplaintsConsumer ProtectionContracts -see also- ProcurementCorporations -see also- Municipal Corps; Public Corps & InstCourt OrdersCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DisclosureElectronic Commerce -see also- Electronic Funds TransferElectronic CommunicationEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsEvidenceInformation TechnologyInternet -see also- Internet AccessInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsMobile DevicesMotor Vehicle OperationNonprofit OrganizationsNoticesPartnershipsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal Identifying InformationPrivacyPublic Service CommissionRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReportsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best PracticesTermination of EmploymentThreatsTimeTraffic RegulationTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Limits on why companies can deactivate drivers

Starting January 1, 2027, deactivation means a permanent switch from eligible to ineligible to drive on the app. Companies must keep a written deactivation policy on their website and app, in English and other known languages, and keep old versions for 3 years. Policies must relate to safe and efficient operation and cannot use reasons like your availability, rejecting or canceling with cause, contacting the company, speaking about work, low rating metrics, asserting rights, or many background or driving reports unless required by law or for egregious misconduct. Before deactivating, the company must do a fair, objective investigation and show a rule was broken by a preponderance of the evidence. The Commission can set the policy format, languages, and what a reasonable policy includes.

Stronger notice and appeal rights for drivers

Beginning January 1, 2027, companies must give at least 14 days’ deactivation notice and again on the day it starts. The notice must give the reason, effective date, how long it lasts, the records used, steps to fix it, how to appeal, and advocacy contact info. Companies must share the date, time, and place of any incident, copies of evidence, and update you within 14 days if they get more, while protecting passenger identity. You have 90 days to appeal, and the company must answer within 14 days with a certified statement and, if you are cleared, a reinstatement date. If a company fails to share required records or keep files for 3 years, the law presumes a violation unless it proves otherwise. You can file a Commission complaint or sue after the first appeal response, or within 14 days after you start an appeal. By November 1, 2026, every company must send drivers a notice of these rights. The Commission can set the notice form and language templates.

Immediate deactivation in serious or legal cases

Starting January 1, 2027, a company may deactivate you right away if a court order or law requires it, or if you clearly engaged in egregious misconduct. In egregious cases, the company can investigate after deactivation but must finish within 14 days unless extraordinary circumstances, and it must send written notice of any delay with a new completion date. Some loss of app access is not treated as a deactivation: missing license or insurance, a legitimate business change not about your conduct, issues you can fix yourself, or weather and network outages. These rules can cut off earnings fast in some cases, while also putting time limits and notices on serious investigations.

Companies must report driver deactivations

Starting in 2027, the Commission sets rules for how companies report deactivations. Reporting is at least quarterly through July 1, 2028, and at least every 6 months after June 30, 2028. Reports may include the company’s policy and appeal steps, counts of deactivations, common reasons, appeal and reinstatement results, and how long deactivations last. The Commission sets the format, security, privacy, and what records companies must keep and provide.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Diana M. Fennell
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Nick Allen
Democratic • House
Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Linda Foley
Democratic • House
Darrell Odom
Democratic • House
Edith J. Patterson
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Veronica Turner
Democratic • House
Jheanelle K. Wilkins
Democratic • House
Nicole A. Williams
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 40

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 2 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/11/2026