Rideshare bill AB 1340 jeopardizes my job and privacy

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OPINION – Rideshare work has been a lifeline I never expected to need. After undergoing unexpected back surgery, I could no longer stand for long periods, which meant the end of my career as a full-time teacher. After dedicated my life to education, I was uncertain about what the next chapter would hold.

That’s when I found app-based driving. What began as a way to earn supplemental income during recovery turned into something more meaningful. Rideshare gave me the flexibility to continue pursuing educational passions while serving my community in a new way.

Unfortunately, Assembly Bill 1340, which is currently moving through the State Legislature, threatens to take that away from me and from millions of Californians who rely on this work. The bill is not only undemocratic; it puts our jobs and our privacy in serious jeopardy.

The bill mandates that companies share sensitive personal information of all active drivers, including names, license numbers, home addresses, cell phone numbers, and work history, with special interests and a state agency. This puts our personal data at-risk, and could mean unwanted calls, texts, emails and even home visits.

This is a serious and blatant violation of privacy that should concern every Californian, especially in times of ICE raids and the federal government handing over sensitive and personal information to homeland security officials.

For years, app-based drivers have fought to maintain their independent contractor status that Proposition 22 protects. Despite legal challenges and ongoing efforts to dismantle it, drivers have remained united in our support for independence. We value the ability to set our own schedules, manage our health needs, and explore other career and business opportunities.

Prop 22 – which nearly 60 percent of voters approved and the California Supreme Court upheld – preserves that independence while providing access to new benefits. AB 1340 poses a significant threat to dismantle these protections and undermine the will of the people.

The bill also threatens the livelihoods of more than 1.6 million drivers who rely on app-based work. At a time when so many Californians are struggling with the day-to-day, these kinds of policies could be devastating.

Saying AB 1340 is too far-reaching is an understatement.

Under the bill, if a union gathers signatures from just 30% of California drivers, it is automatically appointed to represent 100% of drivers. This would occur without a vote, and the union can begin collecting hundreds of dollars in dues.

AB 1340 also jeopardizes the privacy of millions of drivers. Protecting our privacy and personal information should be paramount—but not with AB 1340.

AB 1340 could also force companies to dramatically restructure their operations, leading to fewer rides and higher prices. That affects everyone. In Coachella, where I live and drive, rideshare is an essential service for locals—and a major part of the economy during music festivals and tourist season.

Even worse, AB 1340 could force companies to overhaul their operations, leading to increased prices and reduced rideshare services. So many members of the Coachella community use rideshare for essential daily life. And when visitors flock to our region for music festivals and spring break, we’re able to work more and save.

All of this is at risk.

If this bill becomes law, I’ll have to seriously reconsider driving. So will millions of others who simply aren’t willing to give up our independence—or our personal information. If this bill becomes law, I will strongly reconsider driving. Millions of people like me could lose their opportunity to work independently because we aren’t willing to share our sensitive personal information.

I urge California lawmakers to put a stop to this once and for all. Oppose AB 1340.

Stefanie Whitfield is a rideshare driver based in the Coachella Valley.