Paving the Way for Tech-based Businesses to Come to Rural Missouri
Over the past several years, I’ve often used my weekly columns to bring attention to the difficulties facing Missouri’s rural communities, giving extra real estate to two issues that go hand in hand: declining populations and limited economic opportunities. One major piece of legislation to make it across the finish line this year will help remedy both of these challenges by showing tech-based businesses there’s a home for them in the Show-Me State.
House Bill 130, also known as the Uber or Lyft bill, creates a regulatory framework for transportation network companies (TNCs) to operate statewide in Missouri. For those who may not be as familiar with the concept, TNCs, or ridesharing companies, utilize app-based technology to receive ride requests and transfer them to drivers who are employed by the company. Although ridesharing has already come to Missouri’s metropolitan areas, statewide expansion stalled in previous years due to a variety of concerns. Thankfully, lawmakers worked hard this year to address those concerns, and we were able to reach a solid compromise.
With HB 130, Missouri will finally be in a position to start reaping the same benefits other states have seen. We will invite greater economic development to regions in every corner of the state and create as many as 10,000 new driver jobs. Additionally, we’ll further enable our free market to produce solutions to environmental and infrastructure issues, reducing the need for government action and resources, increase Missourians’ access to affordable transportation and save lives by making it easier for impaired drivers to find safe rides home.
The governor signed HB 130 in April, and the measure will take effect Aug. 28.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.