The California Senate approved a bill today by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, targeting so-called bandit taxicabs.
Senate Bill 201 cleared its final legislative hurdle with a 21-16 vote. The bill has already passed in the Assembly and is headed to the governor.
SB 201 would set a $1,250 penalty for taxicabs operating without a city license.
The measure was written in response to what Oropeza calls a festering problem of unlicensed taxicabs usurping business from legitimate players in the industry.
"The free market only works when everyone plays by the rules," Oropeza said. "These bad actors repeatedly evade background checks, insurance requirements, vehicle inspections and customer service standards."
SB 201 is sponsored by the city of Los Angeles, which made 1,427 arrests related to bandit cabs in 2008.
The governor has 30 days to sign or veto the measure once it reaches his desk. If he does nothing, the bill still becomes a law.
