Virginia Passes Rideshare Background Check Expansion Bill

Legislation aims to standardize screening process across transportation apps

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Virginia state legislature has unanimously passed a bill that will expand and standardize the background check process for rideshare drivers across transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. The bill, introduced by Delegate Lily Franklin, will now head to the governor's desk for signature.

Why it matters

This legislation is intended to close loopholes that have allowed some rideshare drivers to slip through the cracks of the current background check system, providing Virginia riders with more assurance that their drivers have been thoroughly vetted regardless of which service they use.

The details

The new bill will require rideshare companies to disclose all previous addresses of prospective drivers in order to conduct a more comprehensive background check. Delegate Franklin expressed concern that drivers were able to avoid detection under the current system, leading to this legislative effort to standardize the screening process across transportation network companies.

  • The bill passed both the Virginia House and Senate on February 24, 2026.
  • The legislation now heads to the governor's desk for signature.

The players

Lily Franklin

A Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates who introduced the rideshare background check expansion bill.

Governor Spanberger

The current governor of Virginia, who will decide whether to sign the bill into law.

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What they’re saying

“I'm pleased to see my colleagues' decisive, bipartisan support for this piece of legislation. Virginia riders deserve to know that, regardless of what rideshare company they choose, their driver has been properly screened.”

— Lily Franklin, Delegate (wdbj7.com)

What’s next

Governor Spanberger is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a bipartisan effort in Virginia to improve public safety and consumer confidence in the rideshare industry by closing loopholes in the driver screening process.