New Illinois ride-share law takes effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois legislation designed to ensure ride-share drivers undergo adequate background checks is now law.

A statement from Illinois Senate Democrats says it took effect Tuesday. It requires that those applying to be ride-share drivers provide their full name and social security number, as well as their date of birth.

The statement says that before the new law prospective drivers were only required to give their address, age, driver's license number, motor vehicle registration and automobile insurance liability.

State Sen. Daniel Biss, an Evanston Democratic, was a sponsor of the bill. He says requiring the additional information means that "ride-sharing companies are now held to the same standard that other licensed transportation services have been held to for years."