TRENTON, N.J. - Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has written to lawmakers on behalf of Uber to argue against the use of fingerprint-based background checks as they consider how to regulate ride-hailing service drivers.
A letter from Holder making the case that fingerprint checks are an unfair way to screen job candidates and potentially discriminatory was sent this month to lawmakers in New Jersey and Chicago.
Holder's firm advises the company on safety matters and Uber asked him to write the letter, according to company spokesman Craig Ewer. Uber and Lyft, both based in San Francisco, pulled out of Austin, Texas, last month after voters decided against overturning city requirements requiring the checks.
New Jersey lawmakers are debating two different bills to regulate the industry. A state Assembly measure includes the fingerprint requirement, while a state Senate version would require checks without fingerprinting.
Chicago's proposal would require ride-sharing drivers to get a chauffeur's license, and undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Democratic Alderman Anthony Beale, who proposed the measure, said he hopes the full Council will vote on it this month.
Holder wrote that because of deficiencies in the FBI's database, fingerprint checks can prevent people from getting jobs even if they were never convicted of crimes. He said requiring fingerprint checks can discriminate against minorities.
He wrote that the purpose of the FBI database is to aid law enforcement during investigations and investigators are expected to follow up on information to determine whether it is complete.
"It was not designed to be used to determine whether or not someone is eligible for a work opportunity. Relying on it for that purpose is both unwise and unfair," Holder said.
Democratic New Jersey Sen. Paul Sarlo, chairman of the committee weighing the measure, said regulation of the industry is needed and must include background checks, but lawmakers are still debating whether to include fingerprinting.
Uber's drivers are required to go through fingerprint background checks in New York City as part of individual licensing with the city.
The Limousine Association of New Jersey has come out strongly in favor of the fingerprint background checks, arguing in a statement this week that they are "a must to adequately protect the riding public."