Memorandum of Opposition LEGISLATIVE: Int. 842/2015 By Council Member Stephen Levin Committee on Transportation TITLE: A Local Law in relation to temporarily limiting the issuance of new for-hire vehicle licenses SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: The bill would require the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to limit the issuance of for-hire vehicle licenses through April 30, 2016. New for-hire vehicle licenses would only be issued in limited numbers to vehicles affiliated with existing bases to allow for some growth, based on the number of vehicles affiliated with a base as of June 15, 2015. Existing for-hire vehicle licenses would continue to be renewed. Street hail livery vehicle and base licenses would not be impacted. Following the completion of the study, the TLC would be required to submit to the Speaker and the Mayor recommendations for mitigating any impacts identified. REASONS FOR OPPOSITION:The legislation would impliedly endorse and legitimize the business practices of transportation network companies (TNC) in New York City which are predicated on the illegal acceptance ofon demand electronic hails by passengers currently ready to travel. The New York City Council does not have the legislative authority to pass such laws as it conflicts with New York State law--specifically the Hail Accessible Inter-borough License Act, known as the HAIL Act, which expressly grants exclusivity to medallion owners concerning hails and limits all other for-hire vehicles (FHV) to the acceptance of passengers by prearrangement. The New York City Council is acting beyond its legislative authority by enacting legislation that violates New York State law. Furthermore, this bill does not offer any practical or positive impact on either curbing the growth of FHV in New York City or economically assisting any other industry that has suffered as a result of the rapid FHV growth. 139-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY11435Phone(718) 658-9800Fax(718) 526-8571 email melrose@melrosecu.org