TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has weighed in on behalf of Uber in the debate over whether background checks for ride-hailing service drivers in New Jersey should include fingerprinting.
Holder argues in a recent letter to New Jersey lawmakers that fingerprint checks can prevent people from getting jobs even if they were never convicted of crimes because of deficiencies in the FBI’s database. Holder says requiring fingerprint checks can discriminate against minorities.
Uber spokesman Craig Ewer says the company asked Holder to write the letter. Holder’s law firm advises Uber.
A state Assembly measure to regulate ride-hailing services includes the requirement. A state Senate version would require checks without fingerprinting.
Uber and Lyft pulled out of Austin, Texas, last month after voters rejected overturning city requirements requiring the checks.
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