Uber, Lyft drivers win background check appeals in Massachusetts

8,000 Uber and Lyft drivers had been banned from driving for ride-sharing apps after having their background checks re-assessed as part of a new Massachusetts law. It seems that many may be able to get their job back as 455 drivers who failed the state’s background check system recently won their appeals. In response to the original ban, Lyft stated that only “a small percentage of our drivers failed” the more rigorous tests. Uber added that the unlimited reach of the government’s background checks is unfair to drivers: “Thousands of people in Massachusetts have lost access to economic opportunities as a result of a screening that includes an unfair and unjust indefinite lookback period.” Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration will now go through a “traditional” regulation-setting process, with final regulations set to be released this fall after a public comment period and hearing. “People will have the opportunity to comment on those,” Baker said. “The Lyft people can comment, the Uber people can comment, other people can comment.” Draft regulations released in late March include the requirement for a company and state background check, and a requirement that the ride-for-hire company’s screening include a nationwide review of criminal records, motor vehicle records and the U.S. Department of Justice’s national sex offender public website. Companies would need to conduct their background check at least every six months and immediately suspend or terminate a driver arrested for disqualifying offenses.]]>