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HB 721

Motor vehicles; transportation referral service providers and ride share network services; provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 721 enhances safety and privacy for Georgia's ride share and referral services by requiring crime rate notifications and formal grievance processes for drivers.

House Second Readers
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 721

Summary of House Bill 721

Bill Number: HB 721
Title: Motor vehicles; transportation referral service providers and ride share network services; provisions
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 721 aims to enhance the safety and privacy standards for drivers and passengers using transportation referral services and ride share network services in Georgia. The bill seeks to establish additional requirements for these service providers to ensure a safer environment for all users and to protect personal information.

Key Provisions

The bill amends existing regulations under Part 4 of Article 3 of Chapter 1 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The main provisions include:

For Transportation Referral Service Providers

  1. Crime Rate Notification: Providers must inform drivers if the area where they will be operating has a violent crime rate that exceeds the national average, based on FBI statistics.
  2. Privacy Protection: Providers are required to ensure the security and privacy of personal information collected from both drivers and passengers.
  3. Grievance Process: A formal grievance process must be established for drivers to address any issues or complaints.

For Ride Share Network Services

  1. Crime Rate Notification: Similar to transportation referral services, ride share networks must inform drivers about the violent crime rates in their operating areas.
  2. Privacy Protection: These services must also ensure the security and privacy of personal information for drivers and passengers.
  3. Grievance Process: A grievance process must be provided for drivers working with ride share networks.

Impact

The implementation of HB 721 will affect:
- Drivers: They will receive critical information regarding the safety of their operating areas and have a formal process to voice concerns.
- Passengers: Enhanced privacy protections will help safeguard their personal information.
- Transportation Providers: They will need to adjust their operational protocols to comply with the new requirements, potentially incurring additional administrative costs.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 04, 2025: Bill introduced and placed in the House Hopper.
  • March 06, 2025: Bill read for the first time in the House.
  • March 10, 2025: Bill read for the second time in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 721 represents a significant step towards improving safety and privacy standards in Georgia's transportation referral and ride share services. By mandating crime rate notifications, privacy protections, and grievance processes, the bill aims to create a safer and more secure environment for both drivers and passengers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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