Legislators in Illinois are working on a bill that would put ridesharing companies in the same category as other common carriers, such as taxi cabs, by eliminating an exemption currently in place for these businesses. State Representative Jennifer-Gong Gershowitz (D-Glenview) has proposed House Bill 2231, which seeks to set a new standard for firms such as Uber and Lyft by removing an exception that states rideshare companies are not liable for the safety of their customers. This decision was made after a woman in Illinois who claimed that her rideshare driver had sexually assaulted her and then sued the firm for negligence but was unsuccessful in court because of a legal exemption. The law would regulate ride-sharing firms like Uber, Lyft and Turo, but it would exempt vehicles that can accommodate more than eight people at once from its provisions.

Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), a state senator, indicated that the legislation would eliminate the exemption from common carrier liability. He explained that the Transportation Network Providers Act would be modified as a result of this bill. This is the act that regulates the activities that we refer to as ridesharing. As a result of this policy, ride-hailing companies will be held legally accountable for the safety of its passengers. The goal of this measure is to improve the safety of passengers who use ride-hailing services. The policy that is being suggested would make it obligatory for these businesses to take safety precautions, such as completing background checks on their drivers and adding safety equipment in their vehicles. On the other hand, Uber, one of the most prominent ridesharing businesses, issued a message to its clients in which it claimed that the policy is not about ensuring the safety of the general public. According to Uber, a recently enacted state law has the potential to substantially raise rider fares, which might result in a reduction in the availability of rideshares. This would deprive tens of thousands of people in Illinois of the capacity to move themselves and make an income.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has not changed their stance and continues to oppose the legislation. This fact was brought to the attention of Republicans by State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) who stated, "Just a reminder for people on our side, the Chamber is still opposed."

Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) issued a warning that the reforms that are being proposed could prompt some businesses to consider leaving the state. "We may be able to drive them out of business if we increase the number of regulations or burdens on them," he remarked. The bill, that was first introduced in the House, is now being considered for concurrence in the Senate after it was amended and passed there. On January 1, 2024, the proposal will become law if it is passed, and it is expected to be signed, by the governor.

It is argued that ride-hailing companies should be held responsible for the protection of its passengers, which is why many organizations that campaign for victims' rights and safety are in favor of this legislation. In the past, these companies have been able to avoid liability in the event that one of its passengers was sexually assaulted or subjected to any other type of physical or emotional abuse because certain legal loopholes have allowed them to do so. The legislation that would eliminate the legal exemption enjoyed by ride-sharing firms in Illinois is now being considered by the state assembly. Even though the move is being made with the intention of improving passenger safety, a number of lawmakers and business groups are concerned about the potential adverse effects the new laws could have on the economy. It is anticipated that the bill will be subjected to additional debate and discussion before it is passed into law.