Days after withdrawing from state, Uber, Kansas could reach compromise

Uber packed its bags and watched Kansas fade in its rearview mirror, the ride-sharing company and the state government have begun working toward a compromise that would allow Uber to resume operations in the state. Uber originally shut down its business in Kansas after an over-regulatory bill — which would have required the company to conduct criminal background checks on drivers via the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and pump up insurance requirements — was vetoed by Gov. Sam Brownback and then un-vetoed by the state Senate. An amendment compromise was proposed a few days later, loosening some of the regulations regarding background checks. (Under the amendment, Uber is allowed to conduct its own background checks, and it has the option to use checks by the Kansas Bureau of Investigations instead of KBI checks being mandatory.) The compromise also allows the individual Uber drivers — rather than the company — to maintain full insurance coverage if they have a lien on their vehicles, and if they do not have a lien, they would only be required to have liability insurance coverage. It is not clear yet whether Uber will return to business as usual in Kansas if this amendment is approved by the legislature; its approval would simply allow business to resume should Uber choose to continue to run in the market. An Uber spokesperson declined to comment on whether the company will continue to operate in the Sunflower State.]]>