Hope Ledford, Policy Manager at the Chamber of Progress, expressed concerns over Colorado House Bill 25-1291 during a Senate hearing. "HB 1291 risks driver livelihoods and rider privacy by mandating recording and expanding legal exposure," she said.
"I'm here on behalf of Chamber of Progress to respectfully oppose HB 1291 as written," said Ledford. "First, the private right of action for increes legal insurgency by allowing lawsuits based on undefined harm. That level of surveillance goes beyond what most riders and drivers expect when they open the app. We believe it's possible to do so without compromising privacy or threatening livelihoods."
The bill proposes increased oversight of rideshare companies by requiring audio and video recordings of all rides, annual public safety reporting, and enhanced driver background checks. According to the Colorado Sun, the bill has passed the House and is awaiting a Senate vote before the session concludes on May 7. Companies like Uber argue that it infringes on privacy rights and could lead to their withdrawal from Colorado due to heightened costs and logistical challenges. Uber has publicly said its intention to cease operations in the state if the bill becomes law.
As reported by the Associated Press in 2023, insurance premiums for rideshare drivers in California rose by 65% over two years, prompting Uber to increase the minimum driver age to 25. This increase was attributed to a rise in legal claims and lawsuits against platforms, which heightened liability burdens for both drivers and companies. The AP notes that similar regulatory changes have led to reduced driver earnings in other states as operating costs rise and platform policies become more stringent.
Uber has cautioned Colorado legislative leaders that House Bill 25-1291—the TNC Consumer Protection Bill—could compel them to halt operations statewide. In a letter addressed to Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Uber said that the bill’s requirements for continuous audio and video recording of rides, along with a broad private right of action (PRA) for minor or technical violations, are impractical and would subject both the company and its drivers to excessive litigation. The company also opposed the bill’s prohibition on arbitration agreements, arguing it contravenes federal law and established court precedent.
Ledford is also noted as a Policy Analyst at the Chamber of Progress, contributing to tech and economic policy advocacy. Her profile on the Chamber’s official website indicates she previously worked on state and federal campaigns in North Carolina and held internships at EMILY’s List, End Citizens United, and the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. She is pursuing a master's degree in public policy at George Washington University.