PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Jul 29, 2020
Sami's Law
This bill establishes requirements for transportation network companies. A transportation network company (TNC) is an entity that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers affiliated with the entity to transport the rider using a vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the driver to a point chosen by the rider.
Each TNC must establish and implement a system and policy within its platform to make available to each passenger a digital method to verify that the driver with whom the passenger has been matched through the platform has been authorized by the TNC to accept the passenger's trip request prior to the beginning of the trip.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish the Safety Actions for Matching and Identifying Ride Share Customers' Council (SAMI'S Law Council) that is an advisory council for developing recommended performance standards for successor technology that will protect TNC passengers and drivers.
The bill prohibits the sale of any signage that is designed to help a passenger identify a TNC vehicle and contains a TNC's proprietary trademark or logo, or purports to be that of a TNC, unless the sale is authorized by the TNC.
DOT may issue penalties to a TNC for noncompliance with this bill, including up to $20,000 each day when such noncompliance is knowing and willful.
The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study on the incidence of assault and abuse perpetrated on drivers by passengers of TNC vehicles and on such passengers by drivers of TNC vehicles.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3921-3923)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3921-3923)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4686.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3921-3927)
Mr. DeFazio moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4686 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.4686 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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