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Committee advances bill removing chauffeur‑license requirement for taxicab drivers in targeted jurisdictions
Summary
Lawmakers advanced House Bill 170, which would exempt taxicab drivers (not livery or limousine services) from the Class D chauffeur's license requirement to help local cab operators competing with ride‑hail services; the committee reported the bill favorably without objection.
Baton Rouge — House Bill 170, introduced May 14 to the Senate Committee on Transportation, responds to complaints from cab operators on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish who say they are losing drivers to ride‑hail services because drivers for Uber and Lyft are not required to hold a chauffeur's license.
Representative Alan Cox, the bill’s author, told the committee he was approached by local taxicab owners and operators who want the chauffeur's‑license requirement removed for taxicab drivers only, not for livery companies or limousines. “HB 170… I was approached by the local cab owners and operators from the West Bank Of Jefferson Parish regarding this issue, and they've been eaten up by competition from Uber and Lyft, and Uber and Lyft drivers aren't required to have a chauffeur's license,” Representative Cox said.
Senators asked technical questions about license classes and weight thresholds. Senator Abraham and others pressed staff and the author to ensure the statutory definitions match the bill’s intent; the committee discussed Class D versus Class E license requirements and vehicle weight definitions to confirm taxis would qualify under the proposed language.
Senator Jay Carter noted the fiscal note projects fee changes and asked whether the fiscal impact was understood; he referenced a reduction in licensing revenue from $54 to $32 on the fiscal document. A group of organizations filed cards in support, including Americans for Prosperity, the Pelican Institute and the Office of Motor Vehicles provided information cards.
Senator Carter moved to report House Bill 170 favorably; the motion carried without objection. The committee’s action advances the bill to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Ending: The bill was reported favorably by the committee and will proceed to the Senate floor. The record shows lawmakers asked for technical drafting checks to ensure the bill’s weight‑and‑license definitions operate as intended before floor action.
