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Bill

Bill

SB 747

Transportation Network Companies - Deactivation of Operators - Policy and Appeal Procedure

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Kramer and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill mandates ride-share and delivery companies notify drivers of deactivation reasons and establish appeal procedures before terminating driver accounts.

Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 747

Legislative bill overview

SB 747 establishes formal procedures for ride-sharing and delivery companies (transportation network companies) to deactivate driver accounts, requiring written notice with clear reasons and creating an appeal process. The bill aims to protect gig workers from sudden loss of income by ensuring due process before deactivation.

Why is this important

Gig economy workers often depend entirely on platforms like Uber and Lyft for income, yet currently face immediate deactivation without explanation or recourse. This bill would provide basic procedural protections similar to employment termination standards, affecting thousands of Maryland drivers and the platforms' operational flexibility in managing their networks.

Potential points of contention

  • Platform autonomy vs. worker protections: Companies argue they need flexibility to remove unsafe or policy-violating drivers quickly; workers need income stability and transparency about why they're deactivated
  • Classification implications: Deactivation procedures resembling employment protections could be cited in ongoing debates about whether gig workers should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors
  • Enforcement and appeal costs: Unclear who bears costs of appeal processes and how companies verify violations, potentially increasing operational expenses passed to consumers or reducing driver earnings through lower rates

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

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