Governor Jared Polis of Colorado has vetoed House Bill 1291, citing legal, regulatory, and economic concerns. Despite this decision, he promptly directed the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to enhance background checks, audit Transportation Network Company (TNC) compliance, and increase consumer awareness regarding safety issue reporting.
“Even though I am vetoing this legislation, I am directing my administration to take active steps, in partnership with the sponsors and proponents of HB 25-1291, to enhance rideshare safety,” said Jared Schutz Polis, Governor of Colorado. “And I am also challenging TNCs to do more to protect riders and drivers, including being more transparent about their rights, and more vigorous in preventing serious crimes. The status quo isn’t sufficient. Enhancing criminal record checks for drivers and preventing bad actors, including impersonators, from getting behind the wheel are commonsense steps we can and should take, and steps we can address now.”
In May 2025, Polis rejected the bill designed to improve rideshare safety by prohibiting drivers from offering food or drinks, requiring clearer identification displays, and permitting video recordings during rides. According to Colorado Public Radio (CPR), the bill aimed to prevent assaults and other crimes. However, Polis argued that it might decrease service availability and negatively impact drivers’ livelihoods. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft also opposed the measure, claiming that the rules were excessively restrictive. CPR reported that the legislation emerged amid growing public concern over incidents related to ridesharing.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best States rankings placed Colorado at 47th in the “Crime & Corrections” category, indicating higher crime levels compared to most other states. Although not specifically focused on rideshare-related incidents, this data situates efforts to enhance rideshare safety within a broader public safety framework. The ranking suggests ongoing challenges for Colorado in preventing and addressing criminal activity across various sectors.
According to the National Governors Association, Polis has served as Governor of Colorado since 2019 after representing Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019. He was also a member of the Colorado State Board of Education from 2001 to 2007 and is recognized as the first openly gay man elected as a U.S. state governor. His career has emphasized education, innovation, and expanding civil rights.
