2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103210D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1273

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-2099.45, 46.2-2099.48, 46.2-2099.49, and 46.2-2099.53 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 15 of Chapter 20 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-2099.54, relating to transportation network companies; requirements; civil penalties.

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Patron—Glass

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Referred to Committee on Transportation

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 46.2-2099.45, 46.2-2099.48, 46.2-2099.49, and 46.2-2099.53 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 15 of Chapter 20 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-2099.54 as follows:

§ 46.2-2099.45. Certificates required unless exempted.

Unless otherwise exempted, no person shall engage in the business of a transportation network company on any highway within the Commonwealth on an intrastate basis unless such person has secured from the Department a certificate of fitness authorizing such business.

The Department shall refuse to grant and revoke any existing certificate of fitness for any transportation network company that enters into an agreement with a TNC partner or passenger that requires waiver of his right to trial by jury.

§ 46.2-2099.48. General operational requirements for transportation network companies and TNC partner.

A. A transportation network company and a TNC partner shall provide passenger transportation only on a prearranged basis and only by means of a digital platform that enables passengers to connect with TNC partners using a TNC partner vehicle. No TNC partner shall transport a passenger unless a transportation network company has matched the TNC partner to that passenger through the digital platform. A TNC partner shall not provide transportation in any other manner. A TNC partner shall not solicit, accept, or arrange transportation except through a transportation network company's digital platform or through a TNC broker.

B. A transportation network company shall authorize collection of fares for transporting passengers solely through a digital platform. A TNC partner shall not accept payment of fares directly from a passenger or any other person prearranging a ride or by any means other than electronically via a digital platform, unless:

1. The ride is booked by a transit system, with a transportation network company with which it has a contract, on behalf of an eligible paratransit passenger;

2. The fare is a defined amount, as published by the transit system, and is communicated to the passenger in advance;

3. The transportation network company specifically authorizes over the digital network the TNC partner to collect cash for the fare, and that authorization includes the amount to be collected. The transportation network company's digital platform shall provide the TNC partner with a method to acknowledge receipt of the fare when it is collected;

4. The passenger receives a receipt for the fare paid; and

5. The transit system receives a receipt and full accounting of cash fares monthly, or on demand, through the transportation network company's account dashboard.

C. A transportation network company with knowledge that a TNC partner has violated the provisions of subsection A or B shall remove the TNC partner from the transportation network company's digital platform for at least one year.

D. A transportation network company shall publish the following information on its public website and associated digital platform:

1. The method used to calculate fares or the applicable rates being charged and an option to receive an estimated fare;

2. Information about its TNC partner screening criteria, including a description of the offenses that the transportation network company will regard as grounds for disqualifying an individual from acting as a TNC partner;

3. The means for a passenger or other person to report a TNC partner reasonably suspected of operating a TNC partner vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

4. Information about the company's training and testing policies for TNC partners;

5. Information about the company's standards for TNC partner vehicles; and

6. A customer support telephone number or email address and instructions regarding any alternative methods for reporting a complaint.

E. A transportation network company shall associate a TNC partner with one or more personal vehicles and shall authorize a TNC partner to transport passengers only in a vehicle specifically associated with a TNC partner by the transportation network company. The transportation network company shall arrange transportation solely for previously associated TNC partners and TNC partner vehicles. A TNC partner shall not transport passengers except in a TNC partner vehicle associated with the TNC partner by the transportation network company.

F. A TNC partner shall carry at all times while operating a TNC partner vehicle proof of coverage under each in-force TNC insurance policy, which may be displayed as part of the digital platform, and each in-force personal automobile insurance policy covering the vehicle. The TNC partner shall present such proof of insurance upon request to the Commissioner, a law-enforcement officer, an airport owner and operator, an official of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or any person involved in an accident that occurs during the operation of a TNC partner vehicle. The transportation network company shall require the TNC partner's compliance with the provisions of this subsection.

G. Prior to the beginning of any TNC partner's shift, the transportation network company shall require such TNC partner to verify his identity, vehicle information, and license plate number through such digital platform. The transportation network company shall require the TNC partner to verify such information through the digital platform on at least two other separate occasions during such shift to ensure such TNC partner is operating such vehicle and using the account for the digital platform. Prior to a passenger's entering a TNC partner vehicle, a transportation network company shall provide through the digital platform to the person prearranging the ride the first name and a photograph of the TNC partner, the make and model of the TNC partner vehicle, and the license plate number of the TNC partner vehicle.

H. A transportation network company shall provide to each of its TNC partners a credential, which may be displayed as part of the digital platform, that includes the following information:

1. The name or logo of the transportation network company;

2. The name and a photograph of the TNC partner; and

3. The make, model, and license plate number of each TNC partner vehicle associated with the TNC partner and the state issuing each such license plate.

The TNC partner shall carry the credential at all times during the operation of a TNC partner vehicle and shall present the credential upon request to law-enforcement officers, airport owners and operators, officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or a passenger. The transportation network company shall require the TNC partner's compliance with this subsection.

I. A transportation network company and its TNC partner shall, at all times during a prearranged ride, make the following information available through its digital platform immediately upon request to representatives of the Department, to law-enforcement officers, to officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, and to airport owners and operators:

1. The name of the transportation network company;

2. The name of the TNC partner and the identification number issued to the TNC partner by the transportation network company;

3. The license plate number of the TNC partner vehicle and the state issuing such license plate; and

4. The location, date, and approximate time that each passenger was or will be picked up.

J. Upon completion of a prearranged ride, a transportation network company shall transmit to the person who prearranged the ride an electronic receipt that includes:

1. A map of the route taken;

2. The date and the times the trip began and ended;

3. The total fare, including the base fare and any additional charges incurred for distance traveled or duration of the prearranged ride;

4. The TNC partner's first name and photograph; and

5. Contact information by which additional support may be obtained.

K. The transportation network company shall adopt and enforce a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of a passenger's points of departure and destination and shall notify TNC partners of such policy.

TNC partners shall comply with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination against passengers or potential passengers.

A transportation network company shall provide passengers an opportunity to indicate whether they require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. If a transportation network company cannot arrange wheelchair-accessible service in a TNC partner vehicle in any instance, it shall direct the passenger to an alternate provider of wheelchair-accessible service, if available.

A transportation network company shall not impose additional charges for providing services to persons with disabilities because of those disabilities.

TNC partners shall comply with all applicable laws relating to accommodation of service animals.

A TNC partner may refuse to transport a passenger for any reason not prohibited by law, including any case in which (i) the passenger is acting in an unlawful, disorderly, or endangering manner; (ii) the passenger is unable to care for himself and is not in the charge of a responsible companion; or (iii) the TNC partner has already committed to providing a ride for another passenger.

A TNC partner shall immediately report to the transportation network company any refusal to transport a passenger after accepting a request to transport that passenger.

L. No transportation network company or TNC partner shall conduct any operation on the property of or into any airport unless such operation is authorized by the airport owner and operator and is in compliance with the rules and regulations of that airport. The Department may take action against a transportation network company that violates any regulation of an airport owner and operator, including the suspension or revocation of the transportation network company's certificate.

M. A TNC partner shall access and utilize a digital platform in a manner that is consistent with traffic laws of the Commonwealth.

N. In accordance with § 46.2-812, no TNC partner shall operate a motor vehicle for more than 13 hours in any 24-hour period.

O. A transportation network company shall provide each TNC partner with a dashboard camera that transmits recorded video footage to the transportation network company for storage. Each TNC partner shall mount such dashboard camera in his TNC partner vehicle and shall activate such dashboard camera for the duration of any trip. The Department shall establish guidelines for data retention for such recorded video footage consistent with this article and any applicable law. The transportation network company shall establish data retention policies for such recorded video footage consistent with the Department's guidelines and the requirements of this article. If a report is filed with law enforcement regarding an incident involving a TNC partner or TNC partner vehicle, the transportation network company shall provide the recorded video footage from such trip to such TNC partner and any passengers for such trip within 24 hours of such report being filed.

P. A transportation network company shall respond to and comply with a subpoena or search warrant or any court order within 24 hours or the time specified by such subpoena, search warrant, or order, whichever is shorter.

Q. No TNC partner shall (i) use another individual's account or credential or permit another individual to use his account or credential on the transportation network company's digital platform or (ii) knowingly provide false information in the creation of an account or credential for purposes of creating a fake account.

§ 46.2-2099.49. Requirements for TNC partners; mandatory background screening; drug and alcohol policy; mandatory disclosures to TNC partners; duty of TNC partners to provide updated information to transportation network companies.

A. Before authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, a transportation network company shall confirm that the person is at least 21 years old and possesses a valid driver's license.

B. 1. Before authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, and at least once twice every two years year after authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, a transportation network company shall obtain a national criminal history records check of that person. The background check shall include (i) a Multi-State/Multi-Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation (primary source search) and, (ii) a search of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry and the U.S. Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Website, and (iii) a search for any permanent or active restraining orders. The person conducting the background check shall be accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners or a comparable entity approved by the Department.

2. Before authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, and at least once annually after authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, a transportation network company shall obtain and review a driving history research report on that person from the individual's state of licensure.

3. Before authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner, and at least once twice every two years year after authorizing a person to act as a TNC partner, a transportation network company shall verify that the person is not listed on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry or on the U.S. Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Website.

C. A transportation network company shall not authorize an individual to act as a TNC partner if the criminal history records check required under subsection B reveals that the individual:

1. Is a person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 or is listed on the U.S. Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Website;

2. Has ever been convicted of or has ever pled guilty or nolo contendere to a violent felony offense as listed in subsection C of § 17.1-805, or a substantially similar law of another state or of the United States;

3. Within the preceding seven years has been convicted of or has pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses, either under Virginia law or a substantially similar law of another state or of the United States: (i) any felony offense other than those included in subdivision 2; (ii) an offense under § 18.2-266, 18.2-266.1, 18.2-272, or 46.2-341.24; or (iii) any offense resulting in revocation of a driver's license pursuant to § 46.2-389 or 46.2-391; or (iv) a misdemeanor conviction of § 18.2-57.2; or

4. Within the preceding three years has been convicted of or has pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses, either under Virginia law or a substantially similar law of another state or of the United States: (i) three or more moving violations; (ii) eluding a law-enforcement officer, as described in § 46.2-817; (iii) reckless driving, as described in Article 7 (§ 46.2-852 et seq.) of Chapter 8; (iv) operating a motor vehicle in violation of § 46.2-301; or (v) refusing to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of the person's blood or breath, as described in § 18.2-268.3 or 46.2-341.26:3; or

5. Has an active restraining order entered against him.

D. A transportation network company shall employ a zero-tolerance policy with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol by TNC partners and shall include a notice concerning the policy on its website and associated digital platform.

E. A transportation network company that discovers any instance of a TNC partner using another individual's account or credential or permitting another individual to use his account or credential on the transportation network company's digital platform shall revoke the authorization of an individual to act as a TNC partner.

F. A transportation network company shall make the following disclosures in writing to a TNC partner or prospective TNC partner:

1. The transportation network company shall disclose the liability insurance coverage and limits of liability that the transportation network company provides while the TNC partner uses a vehicle in connection with the transportation network company's digital platform.

2. The transportation network company shall disclose any physical damage coverage provided by the transportation network company for damage to the vehicle used by the TNC partner in connection with the transportation network company's digital platform.

3. The transportation network company shall disclose the uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage and policy limits provided by the transportation network company while the TNC partner uses a vehicle in connection with the transportation network company's digital platform and advise the TNC partner that the TNC partner's personal automobile insurance policy may not provide uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage when the TNC partner uses a vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital platform.

4. The transportation network company shall include the following disclosure prominently in writing to a TNC partner or prospective TNC partner: "If the vehicle that you plan to use to transport passengers for our transportation network company has a lien against it, you must notify the lienholder that you will be using the vehicle for transportation services that may violate the terms of your contract with the lienholder."

F. G. A TNC partner shall inform each transportation network company that has authorized him to act as a TNC partner of any event that may disqualify him from continuing to act as a TNC partner, including any of the following: a change in the registration status of the TNC partner vehicle; the revocation, suspension, cancellation, or restriction of the TNC partner's driver's license; a change in the insurance coverage of the TNC partner vehicle; a motor vehicle moving violation; and a criminal arrest, plea, or conviction.

H. A transportation network company that has revoked the authorization of an individual to act as a TNC partner, due to (i) any record or instance of committing assault or (ii) any instance of using another individual's account or credential or permitting another individual to use his account or credential on the transportation network company's digital platform, shall notify the Department of the revocation of such individual's authorization. The Department shall notify any other transportation network company to which it has issued a certificate of fitness pursuant to § 46.2-2099.45 of the revocation of such individual's authorization and shall prohibit any such transportation network company from authorizing such individual to act as a TNC partner. The Department may establish a process, including privacy and data retention guidelines, by which transportation network companies may share such information regarding the revocation of the authorization of an individual to act as a TNC partner with the Department and other transportation network companies. If any such revocation of such individual's authorization is reversed, the transportation network company shall notify the Department, and the Department shall notify any other transportation network company to which it has issued a certificate of fitness pursuant to § 46.2-2099.45 of such reversal.

I. A transportation network company shall develop policies for measures limiting a TNC partner for whom there is any legal, administrative, or other proceeding pending that may result in the revocation of his authorization to act as a TNC partner by the transportation network company where such measures address concerns for passenger safety and are not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this article or any other law.

§ 46.2-2099.53. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for transportation network companies.

A. Records maintained by a transportation network company shall be adequate to confirm compliance with subsection D of § 46.2-2099.48 and with §§ 46.2-2099.49 and 46.2-2099.50 and shall at a minimum include:

1. True and accurate results of each national criminal history records check for each individual that the transportation network company authorizes to act as a TNC partner;

2. True and accurate results of the driving history research report for each individual that the transportation network company authorizes to act as a TNC partner;

3. Driver's license records of TNC partners, including records associated with participation in a driver record monitoring program;

4. True and accurate results of the sex offender screening for each individual that the transportation network company authorizes to act as a TNC partner;

5. Proof of compliance with the requirements enumerated in subdivisions A 1 and 3 through 6 of § 46.2-2099.50;

6. Proof of compliance with the notice and disclosure requirements of subsection D of § 46.2-2099.48 and subsections D and E F of § 46.2-2099.49; and

7. Proof that the transportation network company obtained certification from the TNC partner that the TNC partner secured the consent of each owner, lessor, and lessee of the vehicle for its registration as a TNC partner vehicle and for its use as a TNC partner vehicle by the TNC partner.

A transportation network company shall retain all records required under this subsection for a period of three years. Such records shall be retained in a manner that permits systematic retrieval and shall be made available to the Department in a format acceptable to the Commissioner for the purposes of conducting an audit on no more than an annual basis.

B. A transportation network company shall maintain the following records and make them available, in an acceptable format, on request to the Commissioner, a law-enforcement officer, an official of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or an airport owner and operator to investigate and resolve a complaint or respond to an incident:

1. Data regarding TNC partner activity while logged into the digital platform, including beginning and ending times and locations of each prearranged ride;

2. Records regarding any actions taken against a TNC partner;

3. Contracts or agreements between the transportation network company and its TNC partners;

4. Information identifying each TNC partner, including the TNC partner's name, date of birth, and driver's license number and the state issuing the license; and

5. Information identifying each TNC partner vehicle the transportation network company has authorized, including the vehicle's make, model, model year, vehicle identification number, and license plate number and the state issuing the license plate.

Requests for information pursuant to subdivision 2 or 3 shall be in writing.

C. Information obtained by the Department, law-enforcement officers, officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or airport owners and operators pursuant to this section shall be considered privileged information and shall only be used by the Department, law-enforcement officers, officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, and airport owners and operators for purposes specified in subsection A or B. Such information shall not be subject to disclosure except on the written request of the Commissioner, a law-enforcement officer, an official of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or an airport owner and operator who requires such information for the purposes specified in subsection A or B.

D. Except as provided in subsection C, information obtained by the Department, law-enforcement officers, officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, or airport owners and operators pursuant to this section shall not be disclosed to anyone without the transportation network company's express written permission and shall not be subject to disclosure through a court order or through a third-party request submitted pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). This provision shall not be construed to mean that a person is denied the right to seek such information directly from a transportation network company during a court proceeding.

E. Except as required under this section, a transportation network company shall not disclose any personal information, as defined in § 2.2-3801, about a user of its digital platform unless:

1. The transportation network company obtains the user's consent to disclose the personal information;

2. The disclosure is necessary to comply with a legal obligation; or

3. The disclosure is necessary to protect or defend the terms and conditions for use of the service or to investigate violations of the terms and conditions.

This limitation regarding disclosure does not apply to the disclosure of aggregated user data or to information about the user that is not personal information as defined in § 2.2-3801.

F. A transportation network company shall submit an annual report regarding rides with such transportation network company to the Commissioner and the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation containing the following data regarding the number of:

1. Reported cases of assault;

2. Reported cases of sexual assault;

3. Reported cases of harassment;

4. Reported thefts;

5. Accidents, including specific numbers of accidents involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians;

6. Cases of homicide; and

7. Reports of discrimination.

§ 46.2-2099.54. Certain violations; civil penalties.

Any transportation network company or TNC partner who violates the provisions of §§ 46.2-2099.48 or 46.2-2099.49, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, is subject to a civil penalty to be assessed by the Department of (i) not more than $250 for a first offense, (ii) not more than $500 for a second offense, and (iii) not more than $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

Civil penalties collected under this section shall be paid to the Department for the administration of the requirements of §§ 46.2-2099.48 and 46.2-2099.49.