SALEM, Ore. — Representatives for ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft are pushing a bill that would ensure the state of Oregon, not individual cities, regulates them.
Representatives said at a Monday hearing that the bill would set statewide rules for the companies that would allow them to expand to cities such as Eugene and Springfield. Local governments such as the city of Eugene have voiced opposition to House Bill 3246, which would reverse their authority over taxis and ride-hailing services.
Under the bill, drivers for such companies as Lyft and Uber are considered independent contractors instead of employees. Those employers don’t have to pay payroll taxes, compensate drivers at minimum wage, or provide them with benefits and workers’ compensation insurance.
