Uber legislation passed by House lawmakers

House lawmakers passed legislation that alters the state's background check requirements for Delaware's cab and limo drivers, bringing them on a level playing field with Uber and other app-driven car for hire services.

The legislation comes just weeks after the state and Uber had agreed to a memorandum of understanding, officially allowing the company to operate in Delaware.

Under the legislation, taxi and limo drivers cannot be licensed to operate in Delaware if they were convicted of certain crimes, including hit-and-run and reckless driving over 100 mph in the last seven years.

The legislation also says drivers cannot operate if they have had their driver's license suspended, revoked or disqualified for moving violations in the preceding three years. Previously the period of time was five years.

Over the last few months, representatives from the San Francisco startup have met with lawmakers at Legislative Hall in Dover and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles to work on regulations.

The agreement establishes background check requirements, sets minimum insurance requirements and prohibits drivers from taking fares outside of train stations and airports.

Uber uses smartphone apps to connect drivers with customers who need rides. Drivers use their own vehicles, and the transactions are booked and processed using the app.

Delaware law does not address mobile car services like Uber, and state regulations do not lay out how those car services must operate. But the memorandum clears the path for Uber to formally begin operating in Delaware under clear rules.

Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271, on Twitter @JonOffredo or joffredo@delawareonline.com