Survivors, Advocates Deliver Over 1.1 Million Signatures for First-in-the-Nation Measure to Hold Uber Accountable for Sexual Assault
Contact: Alex Stack | alex@nejconsult.com
Initiative protects both riders and drivers from sexual assault in rideshares, will be on California’s November ballot
SACRAMENTO — Survivors of sexual misconduct, consumer advocates, and representatives of survivors of sexual assault gathered at the California State Capitol today to announce that 1.1 million Californians signed petitions to put a first-in-the-nation measure on the California ballot to protect people from sexual assault in Ubers and other rideshares. Only 601,300 valid signatures are needed to qualify.
The Sexual Assault Against Rideshare Passengers and Drivers Prevention and Accountability Act would require Uber to follow the same safety rules as taxis, buses, and trains — requiring them to exercise a heightened standard of care to protect riders and drivers while expanding Uber’s legal responsibility for sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, against passengers and drivers. It would require Uber to finally conduct thorough background checks, with fingerprinting, that have proven effective in other industries, including healthcare workers and volunteer sports organizations.
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This initiative comes amidst investigative reporting exposing “Uber’s alarming sexual violence problem” and that “measures to stem the violence have been set aside in favor of protecting the company’s business.” Just this week, a second federal jury found Uber liable for sexual assault.
At the Capitol, survivors and advocates marked the milestone with a public event highlighting the human impact behind the campaign.
“These things don’t have to happen,” said Danielle Tudahl, a survivor of sexual harassment and attempted kidnapping during an Uber ride. “We need real background checks. We need dangerous drivers removed from the platform. And we need Uber to take safety seriously. I’ve reported multiple Uber drivers with little to no resolutions from the company. That’s what makes it so scary, you never know if your next ride is going to be safe or not. No one should have to get into a car and wonder if they’ll make it home okay.”
The measure would require Uber and other rideshare companies to meet the same safety standards as taxis, buses, and trains by classifying them as common carriers under California law. It would also expand corporate accountability for sexual misconduct and implement basic protections, including annual fingerprint-based background checks for drivers and requiring companies to notify riders of known safety risks.
“For years, Uber has known about the scale of sexual violence happening on its platform and failed to take meaningful action,” said Micha Star Liberty, an attorney representing survivors of sexual violence. “We’ve seen case after case where warning signs were missed or ignored. This measure is about forcing accountability—so companies can’t continue to profit while avoiding responsibility for the harm happening on their watch.”
Consumer advocates emphasized that the measure addresses a systemic failure to meet basic safety expectations.
“Uber has claimed it’s just a tech platform, but it functions as a transportation provider and should be held to the same standards as any other,” said Carmen Balber, Executive Director of Consumer Watchdog. “Right now, you often have to go through a more thorough background check to rent an apartment than to drive passengers for Uber. That’s not an accident — it’s a choice to avoid basic safety standards because they cut into profits. This measure closes that loophole and makes clear that if you’re transporting millions of Californians, you are responsible for protecting them.”
Valerie McGinty, Founder & President of Fund Her, said the initiative reflects a broader demand for accountability from powerful corporations.
“Californians are sending a clear message: if a company’s business model puts people at risk, it must be held accountable,” said McGinty. “This measure ensures that survivors have a path to justice and that corporations can no longer evade responsibility for preventable harm.”
California is poised to lead the nation in addressing rideshare sexual violence, with momentum already building for similar efforts in other states. The submitted signatures will now be reviewed and verified by election officials in order to qualify for the November ballot.
AACA has been warning consumers that nearly every eight minutes, a case of sexual assault or sexual misconduct was reported to Uber. This comes as the multi-billion dollar corporation pushes a ballot initiative in California that would limit victims’ rights, cap recoveries, and make it harder for people injured in crashes or assaults to hold the company accountable.
Just last week, AACA launched additional public awareness messages about how Uber’s initiative would hurt Californians, making victims pay more in medical care and limiting their access to basic legal representation — all to protect Uber’s own profits.
To arrange interviews or request press materials, including video and photos from the event, please contact Alex Stack at alex@nejconsult.com or (603) 320-0398.