Assembly passes Rep. Baginski and Sen. Pearson’s legislation allowing peer-to-peer car sharing programs in RI
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2022-H 6609, 2022-S 2222) sponsored by Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski (D-Dist. 17, Cranston) and Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) which would authorize and regulate peer-to-peer car sharing programs in the state.
“Peer-to-peer car sharing” is defined as the authorized use of a vehicle by an individual other than the vehicle’s owner through a peer-to-peer car sharing program. A “peer-to-peer car sharing program” means a business platform that connects vehicle owners with drivers to enable the sharing of vehicles for financial consideration.
“As costs continue rising, especially with car prices and fuel, this bill will offer an innovative alternative to Rhode Islanders’ transportation needs. Technology is changing the way we approach our daily lives and this legislation will allow Rhode Island to utilize these new and exciting technologies, bringing us closer to our neighbors and community while also helping the environment by reducing the need for more cars on our roads,” said Representative Baginski.
“New and innovative transportation options are emerging rapidly and the state must be able to keep pace with new technological advancements. Car sharing is a quickly expanding business model that is allowing car owners to make extra income off of their vehicle while also providing convenient services for individuals who do not want, or are unable, to own a car. Rhode Islanders should have access to this new transportation opportunity and this legislation ensures that right, as well as, the needed regulations to protect our consumers when using these services,” said Senator Pearson, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
The act would also require that the shared vehicle be covered by insurance while in use by other individuals as well as provisions relating to consumer protection disclosures, driver’s license verification, retention of various records and automobile safety recalls.
The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University Wednesday, demanding its president resign unless she reigns in what he called anti-semitic protests. His comments come as pro-Palestinian protests continue against Israel's war with Hamas continue to spread across college campuses nationwide. The speaker raised the possibility of calling in the National Guard if protests are not quashed. 
