What's happening
This bill tightens background checks for rideshare drivers by expanding disqualifications for sex offenses and allows electronic access to the sex offender registry.
Why it matters
Expands permanent disqualification. Instead of only disqualifying applicants with recent sex offense convictions, the bill would bar anyone required to register as a sex offender—for as long as that registration requirement lasts—from ever becoming a rideshare driver. This closes a loophole where some registered sex offenders could eventually qualify once enough time had passed since their conviction.
Modernizes background check access. By allowing rideshare companies (or their third-party background check providers) direct electronic access to New York’s sex offender registry, the bill makes it easier and faster to verify applicants’ status, potentially catching disqualifying offenses that might have been missed under slower or less direct systems.
Aligns rideshare driver screening with public safety goals. The amendment reflects growing concern about passenger safety in rideshare vehicles, treating sex offenses with the same severity as the most serious violent crimes and signaling that the state will prioritize ongoing protection for users of these services.
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Who cares
TNC driver applicants required to register as sex offenders
The bill would disqualify them from receiving a driver permit for the duration of their registration requirement, replacing the seven-year lookback for those offenses.
Transportation network companies and third-party screeners
The bill would give them electronic access to the New York State sex offender registry to screen driver applicants.
Department of Criminal Justice Services
The bill would require the department to permit that electronic registry access.
Headline styles
Stricter Checks for Ride Drivers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
7 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Print number 7753a
- Amend and recommit to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Stricter Driver Background Checks
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Thomas Croci
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7753--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 11, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. MURRAY, McDONOUGH, DiPIETRO, MONTESANO, HAWLEY, JAFFEE, RA -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. ERRIGO, THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to criminal history background check of transportation network company drivers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision 2 of section 1699 of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by section 2 of part AAA of chapter 59 of the laws of 2017, are amended to read as follows:
(b) An applicant shall be disqualified to receive a TNC driver permit where he or she:
(i) stands convicted in the last three years of: unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in violation of sections 270.35, 270.30 or 270.25 of the penal law, reckless driving in violation of section twelve hundred twelve of this chapter, operating while license or privilege is suspended or revoked in violation of section five hundred eleven of this chapter, excluding subdivision seven of such section, a misdemeanor offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in violation of section eleven hundred ninety-two of this chapter, or leaving the scene of an accident in violation of subdivision two of section six hundred of this chapter. In calculating the three year period under this subparagraph, any period of time during which the person was incarcerated after the commission of such offense shall be excluded and such three year period shall be extended by a period or periods equal to the time spent incarcerated; [or]
(ii) stands convicted in the last seven years of: [a sex offense defined in subdivision two of section one hundred sixty-eight-a of the
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11130-05-7
A. 7753--A 2
correction law,] a felony offense defined in article one hundred twenty-five of the penal law, a violent felony offense defined in section 70.02 of the penal law, a class A felony offense defined in the penal law, a felony offense defined in section eleven hundred ninety-two of this chapter, [an offense for which registration as a sex offender is required pursuant to article six-C of the correction law,] or any conviction of an offense in any other jurisdiction that has all the essential elements of an offense listed in this subparagraph. In calculating the seven year period under this subparagraph, any period of time during which the person was incarcerated after the commission of such offense shall be excluded and such seven year period shall be extended by a period or periods equal to the time spent incarcerated; or
(iii) stands convicted of a sex offense defined in subdivision two of section one hundred sixty-eight-a of the correction law or any other offense for which registration as a sex offender is required pursuant to article six-C of the correction law for the duration of time for which they are required to register as a sex offender pursuant to article six-C of the correction law.
(c) A criminal history record that contains criminal conviction information that does not disqualify an applicant pursuant to subparagraphs (i) [or], (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (b) of this subdivision, shall be reviewed and considered according to the provisions of article twentythree-A of the correction law and subdivisions fifteen and sixteen of section two hundred ninety-six of the executive law in determining whether or not the applicant should be issued a TNC driver's permit.
§ 2. Subdivision 1 of section 1696 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (g) to read as follows:
(g) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department of criminal justice services shall permit a TNC, or a third party on behalf of a TNC, that is subject to the provisions of this section to access the New York state sex offender registry by electronic means.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as section 2 of part AAA of chapter 59 of the laws of 2017, takes effect.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.