ST. LOUIS • Uber drivers would be exempted from paying the one-percent city earnings tax under a state bill aimed at making it easier for the company to operate.

The legislation would strip powers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Taxicab Commission and create a statewide standard for ride-hailing apps. Buried in the bill is a stipulation that would shield Uber and similar companies from local taxation, like the earnings tax.

The issues comes as the tax is facing fresh scrutiny. Some companies have been able to divert earnings tax payments to pay for office renovations. Per state mandate, voters will decide in April whether to reapprove the tax.

The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Kirk Mathews, R-Pacific, would go one step further than the carve outs granted by the city. It would totally exempt Uber and its drivers from any local taxation in St. Louis or Kansas City, the only two Missouri municipalities with an earnings tax.

Some suggest the city has become too reliant on the tax, which makes up one-third of the general revenue budget. Others argue such measures will erode the city's revenue.