Chicago panel OKs Uber and Lyft rules requiring fingerprints

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago City Council committee has advanced plans to increase regulations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

The proposal requires similar regulations on Uber and Lyft drivers as taxi drivers, including fingerprinting as part of a criminal background check. Drug tests and city debt checks would also be required.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Uber and Lyft officials have opposed the proposed regulations. Uber and Lyft already require background checks of their drivers. But the companies argue the proposal will cut into the number of drivers available. There are approximately 90,000 registered Uber and Lyft Drivers in Chicago.

However, Alderman Anthony Beale says the proposed ordinance is about protecting consumers. He says there could be additional changes to the proposal before next Wednesday's full City Council meeting.