"We would prohibit local units of government from driving out TNCs (transit networking companies) with these unworkable policies," Rasmusson said. His amendment was voted down by Democrats on the committee.

The Minneapolis city council voted in March to set minimum pay rates for drivers, prompting Lyft to say it will leave Minneapolis, and Uber the entire metro when the ordinance takes effect July 1.

GOP legislators have tried unsuccessfully to preempt the Minneapolis ordinance in the House as well. Carlson said Uber preferred to focus on consistent statewide regulations.

Earlier this month, a hearing in the House Judiciary committee looked at letting drivers sue Uber and Lyft if they are hurt on the job, and blocking the companies from requiring drivers to settle disputes in private arbitration, rather than in court.

Rep. Hodan Hassan, DFL-Minneapolis, said during that hearing that Minnesota's laws have not been enough to protect drivers.

"It's very critical when you show up for work, you go home safe to your family," Hassan said. "This is a really hard job, because you are driving your car, you have your back to a stranger in your car, you can't see what they're doing."

Carlson said the companies don't support those measures, because the right to sue and not be in private arbitration are not guaranteed to other independent contractors.

More broadly, negotiators still think they will be able to pass a bill this session. Getting a little more time helped, Hassan said, with the Minneapolis City Council delaying the effective date of their minimum-pay ordinance from May 1 to July 1. But she said negotiators are still looking for "alignment" on a statewide minimum pay rate.

Carlson said earlier this month he believes House negotiators are working in good faith. Lyft lobbyist John Reich agreed.

"We think we can get there," he said.

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