California Senate Panel Backs Waiving Fees For Uber, Lyft Drivers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A state Senate committee has approved legislation exempting Uber and Lyft drivers from commercial vehicle registration fees over the fierce opposition of the committee chairman, who has ties to the taxi industry.

AB828 was approved in a 6-4 vote Tuesday.

The measure cleared the Assembly overwhelmingly last year but has been stalled in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee headed by Democratic Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego.

Hueso's family owns a taxi company in San Diego. He has been the most vocal critic of ride-hailing companies in the Legislature, saying they have fewer regulations than taxis.

In an unusual move, the bill was approved without support from a majority of Democrats on the committee. Three Republicans and three Democrats supported it, with Hueso and three other Democrats opposed.