Vince Fong, representative for California’s 20th Congressional District, said an amendment limiting vicarious liability for ride-share companies was included in the Build America 250 Act as it passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, calling the legislation a major investment in U.S. infrastructure and transportation systems.
The bill, H.R. 8870, is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization measure that would invest in roads, bridges, rail, and other infrastructure while establishing a federal framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles.
According to a press release from Fong’s office, the amendment was among several provisions included during committee consideration. The release said the measure reflects policy priorities aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving legal and regulatory clarity for ride-share operations.
“Today is a major victory for California and for the nation,” Fong said in the release. “The BUILD America 250 Act is the most significant surface transportation investment in decades, and I’m proud to have helped secure critical priorities that will strengthen our communities, invest in our road and bridge infrastructure, and keep America moving. This legislation will rebuild and expand our roads and bridges, improve safety, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term economic growth across the Central Valley, California, and throughout our country.”
The release also said roughly one-third of a ride-share fare in California—and nearly one-half in Los Angeles—goes toward government-mandated insurance costs, and described the amendment as a way to address litigation costs affecting ride-share companies.
Ride-share pricing and insurance costs have also been the subject of broader industry debate.
Uber has reported that changes to insurance requirements can affect rider prices, saying reforms in Georgia led to average fare reductions of about $0.75 per trip after the company said it reinvested savings from reduced insurance requirements. The company has also said that in higher-mandate states such as New Jersey, a significant portion of fares goes toward required insurance coverage.
The company added that its U.S. mobility insurance costs have increased over recent years even as crash rates on its platform have declined, with those costs reflected in rider fares.
Fong serves as the U.S. representative for California’s 20th congressional district in the House, serving communities across the Central Valley. His legislative work has emphasized infrastructure improvements, support for agricultural supply chains, and advancement of autonomous vehicle technologies.