Kansas lawmakers strike deal to keep Uber in state

Topeka ? Kansas lawmakers say they have come to a regulatory agreement that will keep ride-hailing company Uber in the state.

Republican Sen. Jeff Longbine and Republican Rep. Scott Schwab announced at a news conference Thursday that they had come to a deal with all interested parties.

Uber announced in early May that it had ceased operations in Kansas after the Legislature overrode the governor’s veto on regulations the company opposed.

Under the agreement, Uber and other ride-hailing companies would be allowed to do third-party background checks on their subcontracted drivers. But, they would face possible lawsuits from the state attorney general if drivers were found to be operating with a criminal background.

Both chambers are expected to vote on the deal Friday, sending it to the governor to sign.

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