Chicago approves looser rules on ride-hailing services

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago has approved less restrictive regulations on ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft after the city council member who crafted the rules dropped an insistence on fingerprint background checks.

The City Council passed the measure 43-7 Wednesday after months of debate and intense lobbying by the companies.

Alderman Anthony Beale's original proposal would have required drivers to be fingerprinted as part of a criminal background check. Critics said the companies already carry out background checks and that the extra requirements would discourage or unfairly bar many from becoming drivers.

Beale agreed to delay fingerprinting for at least six months to allow more time to study that requirement.

The regulations passed Wednesday also require drivers to take a one-day course that can be completed online to get a license.