District Of Columbia 2025-2026 Regular Session

District Of Columbia Council Bill PR26-0176

Introduced
4/11/25  

Caption

Unauthorized Private For-Hire Vehicle Investigation Reauthorization Resolution of 2025

Impact

If passed, this resolution is expected to impact existing laws governing private for-hire vehicles by reinforcing the necessity for operators to comply with regulations set forth by the District’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles. In light of numerous health and safety risks reported due to unauthorized operations, including incidents of harassment and impaired driving, the resolution aims to ensure stricter oversight and compliance mechanisms to safeguard citizens. This could lead to enhanced enforcement of existing laws and may prompt updates to regulatory frameworks governing the industry.

Summary

The 'Unauthorized Private For-Hire Vehicle Investigation Reauthorization Resolution of 2025' (PR26-0176) was introduced in the District of Columbia Council to authorize an investigation into the unauthorized operations of Yazam, Inc., doing business as Empower. The resolution highlights concerns regarding Empower's failure to comply with local regulatory requirements for private for-hire vehicle services, presenting a significant public safety risk to residents and visitors in the District. The resolution also notes that the company's drivers are not authorized to operate, raising serious consumer protection issues.

Contention

The discussion surrounding the bill reveals significant contention about the balance between technological innovation in transportation and public safety regulations. Supporters argue that the investigation is critical to protect consumers and maintain safety standards, while some may view the push for stricter regulations as overly burdensome for emerging platforms in the for-hire vehicle industry, potentially stifling innovation and competition. The resolution empowers the Committee to use subpoenas to compel testimony and gather essential evidence, which underscores the gravity of the situation as it relates to compliance and ongoing violations by Empower.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

DC PR25-0981

Unauthorized Private For-Hire Vehicle Investigation Authorization Resolution of 2024

DC B25-0416

Department of For-Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Amendment Act of 2023 (now known as "Carrier-for-Hire Oversight and Enforcement Act of 2024")

DC PR25-0333

Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC PR25-0460

Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC PR25-0326

Department of For-Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC B25-0351

Sexual Harassment Investigation Integrity Amendment Act of 2023

DC PR25-0844

Department of For-Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Emergency Declaration of 2024

DC PR25-0458

Department of For-Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC B25-0836

Department of For-Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Emergency Amendment Act of 2024

DC B25-0435

Fraudulent Vehicle Tag Enforcement Amendment Act of 2023 (now known as "Fraudulent Vehicle Tag and Parking Enforcement Modernization Amendment Act of 2024")

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