HB 879

LICENSE REQUIRED FOR TRA NSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVERS As of January 1, 2026, this bill requires a n individual seeking to work as a transportation network company driver in this state to first obtain a transportation network license from the department of commerce and insu rance. I n order to be issued a transportation network license from the department, this bill generally requires the individual to have a valid Tennessee driver license. However, a resident of Desoto County, Mississippi, or Crittenden County, Arkansas, ma y be issued such a license from the department upon providing proof of residency of such county. This bill provides that a driver's transportation network license is valid for a period of one year. The department must establish a means by which a driver may renew a license through the department's website and promulgate rules by which the department may suspend or revoke such a license upon the driver committing a serious traffic violation or criminal offense or upon good cause shown. An individual wit hout a valid transportation network license is prohibited from accepting or transporting a prearranged ride originating in this state. However, t his does not prohibit a prearranged ride originating in another state from ending in this state. PROHIBITED C ONDUCT BY TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES This bill prohibits a transportation network company from authoriz ing a driver without a valid transportation network license to accept or transport a prearranged ride originating in this state. A transportatio n network company that violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation. If a transportation network company is found by the commissioner of commerce and insurance to have multiple such violations in a manner that is deemed to constitute willful or wanton disregard of the requirements of this bill , then the commissioner must take action to suspend or revoke the transportation network company's ability to operate in this state. RULEMAKING This bill authorizes the department o f commerce and insurance to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill .