Gov. Tomblin plans to introduce bill allowing Uber in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is on board with letting Uber offer rides in West Virginia.

Tomblin spokeswoman Shayna Varner says the governor plans to introduce a bill letting ridesharing companies, including Uber and Lyft, operate in the state.

An Uber push in the GOP-led Legislature died last year. Among other issues, a pocket of lawmakers opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.

Varner says Tomblin's version will require that companies have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The bill would require companies to have a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage and a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy.