Broward County approves looser regulations for Uber

County commissioners are scheduled to debate that controversial topic Tuesday night, as they consider loosening a law in order to entice Uber back to Broward.

Critics have said the local governments’ decisions to reconsider their rules amount to caving to the Uber juggernaut. Uber officials say they plan to turn the app back on Thursday for the county.

The ordinance includes “requirements for background checks, vehicle inspections and liability insurance, but shift the procedural responsibility for enforcement to the transportation network companies with strict county oversight”, according to a news release.

“The millstone has been lifted off our collective necks”, Mayor Tim Ryan said just before concluding the meeting.

In a meeting much shorter than the last one on this issue, commissioners voted 6-2 on an ordinance that opens pathways for the apps to come back online for Broward residents. She joined Commissioner Dale Holness in opposing the agreement. In July, Uber made good on its threat and left town, which angered many Broward residents who rely on the ride-sharing app to get around town, and prefer it over hailing cabs.

The decision comes after commissioners gave an amendment the initial OK on September 1. Commissioners voted 5-1 last month to let Uber continue operating under a temporary contract through March 2016-or until the state decides what to do.

One of Uber’s complaints: A provision that says no convict released from prison in the past seven years can be a driver-for-hire.

“You have taken the food out of four kids’ mouths”, Angela Samuels, believed to be an Uber driver, told the commission.