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Uber shuts down in Kansas after Senate votes to override Brownback veto

WICHITA, Kansas (KSN) – Uber shuts down in Kansas after Senate votes to override the governor’s veto.

The Republican-controlled Kansas Senate has overridden GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s veto of a bill imposing new regulations on ride-hailing companies like Uber.

The Senate’s vote Tuesday was 34-5. Supporters had seven more votes than the necessary two-thirds majority.

Supporters expected the House vote on overriding the veto by Tuesday evening.

The measure would require drivers for ride-hailing companies to undergo Kansas Bureau of Investigation background checks. They’d also need additional auto insurance coverage beyond the $1 million Uber offers when drivers are logged into its network or transporting passengers.

Uber had said the measure would push it out of the state. As of Tuesday afternoon, the service was no longer being offered in Kansas.

Uber connects drivers to riders through a mobile app. It was operating in Wichita and the Kansas City area and expanded after Brownback’s veto to four other communities.

The governor issued the following statement in response to today’s override of that veto:

As I said when I vetoed this bill, Kansas should be known as a state that welcomes and embraces innovation and the economic growth that comes with it. Over-regulation of businesses discourages investment and harms the open and free marketplace. Uber, and other innovative businesses, should be encouraged to operate, grow and create jobs here in Kansas.