AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DRIVER NATIONAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

HB 5546 requires drivers providing for-hire intrastate passenger transportation (including taxis, limousines, and ride-share services like Uber/Lyft) in Rhode Island to complete a national and state criminal background check with fingerprinting before operating. The check covers specific serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, drug felonies, and DUI-related deaths; drivers must pay for the check and receive a "background check clearance certificate" from the state division. If disqualifying crimes are found, drivers may appeal or demonstrate rehabilitation after a 2-year period without new offenses. The clearance certificate is valid for five years and applies to all new drivers and renewals.