VirginiaHB12732026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Transportation network companies; requirements, civil penalties.

Sponsored By: Jackie H. Glass (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Transportation network companies; requirements; civil penalties. Adds various additional requirements for (i) transportation network companies, including ensuring options for audio and video recording of rides for TNC partners and riders and requiring a TNC partner to verify his identity through the digital platform prior to the activation of a TNC partner's account and periodically thereafter, and (ii) TNC partners, including changes to requirements for background checks and circumstances that disqualify them from acting as TNC partners, verification of identity, and prohibitions on sharing digital platform accounts or credentials. The bill imposes civil penalties for transportation network companies or TNC partners who violate certain requirements to which they are subject and provides that the funds for such civil penalties be paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the administration of certain requirements of the bill. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.

Accessible rides and no disability surcharges

You can request a wheelchair‑accessible vehicle in the app. If the company cannot provide one, it must direct you to another accessible provider when available. Companies cannot charge extra because of a disability, and drivers must accommodate service animals as required by law.

Fines for breaking TNC rules

The Department can fine a company or driver up to $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for a third or later offense under these sections. Fines are paid to the Department to run the program.

Stricter checks to drive on apps

To drive, you must be at least 21 and have a valid license. The company must run national criminal background checks before you start and at least every two years, and get your driving record before you start and at least yearly. Certain crimes and serious driving offenses bar you from driving. The company must enforce a zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy. You must report license, registration, insurance changes, moving violations, and arrests or convictions to each company that authorized you. You cannot share accounts, let others use your account, or create fake accounts or credentials.

Airports control ride pick-ups and drops

Pickups or drop‑offs at or into airports are allowed only if the airport authorizes them and the company follows airport rules. The state can suspend or revoke a company’s certificate for airport rule violations.

Rides must be booked and paid in app

All rides must be booked through the company app. Fares are paid through the app, with cash only in narrow, app‑authorized transit or paratransit cases that require receipts. If a driver breaks these booking or payment rules, the company must remove the driver from the app for at least one year.

Safety rules, hours cap, and recording

Drivers must follow state traffic laws while using the app. A driver cannot operate more than 13 hours in any 24‑hour period. Drivers may refuse a ride for lawful safety or other valid reasons but must report a refusal after accepting a request. Riders can opt in to audio recording for a ride, and drivers can opt in to audio or video; the company is protected if the tech fails after a good‑faith effort.

Insurance and lien notices to drivers

Before you drive on the app, the company must give written notices about liability insurance coverage and limits while using the app, any physical damage coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and policy limits, including that your personal policy may not cover you while driving for the app. It must also warn that, if your vehicle has a lien, you need to tell the lienholder your rideshare use may violate your loan contract.

Driver identity and trip receipts

Apps must check a driver’s identity before activation and periodically. Before you get in, the app shows the driver’s first name and photo, and the car’s make, model, and plate. During a ride, officials can request trip and driver info through the app. After the trip, you get an e‑receipt with a route map, start and end times, total fare with itemized charges, the driver’s first name and photo, and support contacts.

Drivers must carry ID and insurance

Your driver account must be linked to specific vehicles, and you may only drive those. While working, you must carry proof of personal auto and TNC insurance and show it to police, airport or transit officials, or anyone in a crash. You must carry a company credential (digital is allowed) with your name, photo, and vehicle details, and show it to officials or riders on request.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jackie H. Glass

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 342 • No: 15

Senate vote 4/22/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 39 • No: 0

House vote 4/22/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 89 • No: 9

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 91 • No: 6

House vote 2/12/2026

Reported from Transportation with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 2/10/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026Senate
  2. House concurred in Governor's recommendation (89-Y 9-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026House
  3. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1095)

    4/22/2026Governor
  4. Reenrolled bill text (HB1273ER2)

    4/22/2026House
  5. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1095 (Effective - see bill)

    4/22/2026Governor
  6. Signed by President

    4/22/2026Senate
  7. Signed by Speaker

    4/22/2026House
  8. Governor's recommendation adopted

    4/22/2026Governor
  9. Governor's recommendation received by House

    4/11/2026Governor
  10. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  11. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  12. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1273)

    3/10/2026House
  13. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1273ER)

    3/10/2026House
  14. Enrolled

    3/10/2026House
  15. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  16. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  17. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  18. Read third time

    3/3/2026Senate
  19. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/2/2026Senate
  20. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  21. Rules suspended

    3/2/2026Senate
  22. Reported from Transportation (14-Y 0-N)

    2/26/2026Senate
  23. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    2/18/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  25. Read third time and passed House (91-Y 6-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House

Bill Text

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