ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 1703 - Summary

• Defines ridesharing arrangement and services: Establishes that ridesharing arrangements (carpools, vanpools, buspools) are distinct from ridesharing services provided through digital platforms by ridesharing networks using personal vehicles.

• Creates ridesharing network registration requirements: Ridesharing networks must register with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, maintain business licenses, hold excess liability insurance ($1 million minimum), conduct vehicle safety inspections, and perform criminal background and driving history checks on operators.

• Sets operator qualifications and restrictions: Ridesharing operators must be at least 21 years old, possess valid Oklahoma driver's license and vehicle registration, and cannot have certain criminal convictions or serious driving violations within specified timeframes; networks must permanently revoke operators with verified drug or alcohol use complaints.

• Excludes ridesharing from certain regulations: Ridesharing arrangements and services are not classified as common carriers for hire and are exempt from motor bus and taxicab licensing provisions under Title 47.

• Establishes statewide preemption and effective date: Regulation of ridesharing is a matter of statewide concern, preempting local regulation; the act takes effect July 1, 2014, with emergency clause for immediate implementation.