LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that will require that Uber and Lyft essentially meet the same standards and requirements that are applied to taxi companies in the state.
Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Oshtemo, was a co-sponsor of the package in the House. He said it will guarantee greater safety and security for passengers. All firms providing rides, including limousine services would be expected to pay an annual fee, and register with the state.
Cars will require annual inspections and drivers will have to clear background checks. The new regulations take effect immediately.
Snyder has also signed bills decriminalizing the first offense for a minor caught using alcohol. The legislation’s sponsors say too many young lives are being ruined because teens accrue that black mark on their criminal record which could keep them out of college or prevent them from getting a job.
From now on, the first offense for minor in possession will be a civil violation and a fine, like a traffic ticket. Subsequent arrests will continue to be criminal misdemeanors with stiffer fines and the chance for incarceration.
Snyder has also signed a bill that would compensate citizens who are incarcerated and then later exonerated when it’s discovered they should not have been convicted. It would pay them $50,000 for each year they spent in prison.
