[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6306672,"mediaKeyId","2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831","parentId",2436863,"title","Committee passes HB339 substitute clarifying vicarious liability for rideshare network drivers","audioSeconds",194,"startMs",2838000,"endMs",3032000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831&start=2838&end=3032","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831/thumbnail_2838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306672/Georgia/Committee-passes-HB339-substitute-clarifying-vicarious-liability-for-rideshare-network-drivers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306672-099a2bffcd93688e221cfd3555c0b159/orig.mp4?Expires=1775533092&Signature=MxfhokJLMwxEvwv8fZYCxVvIfpTViyNVwLcL5l7ygHZ7IhSr9gPAG4uNUuogqv3erF9-aACl~8vOr~TWgoQlGskWvAZJvyjYRCNTH2DnPbs6yWf~dgcsFE-GwOtFCqSP5qIPtXn-0EihBdADeWLY6fx1Zg6zgT3U9FHxjdlOSihJ3LQ~ovenUVRgT3oUN3M7207mBGIrqDvE4I5p~0cGtHHt-tVXLIh4Fav7huyawdo7juvEXn65oYum~ZR2dK7UpLJQmP6lbpblIKv6heC1yZ5rr2K1an-oND9gOuQT18wIiSW02DAr4Q7GOlzzX1zSWWYnL8ZX8eEsihD51NQZgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Georgia State Legislature","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Georgia House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25, 2025 passed a substitute to House Bill 339 that, according to sponsors and industry representatives, clarifies existing law related to vicarious liability for rideshare network services.

Sponsor remarks said the measure largely codifies the current understanding that rideshare drivers are independent contractors and that vicarious liability generally does not impute to network platforms. Nick Giuliano of Impact Public Affairs, representing Uber, described the bill as \"a belt and suspenders\" measure: he said existing Georgia independent-contractor law has prevented successful vicarious liability claims against rideshare companies, but that insurers and counsel still account for the theoretical possibility when setting premiums and filing defensive motions. \"Our insurance companies still figure in the possibility... into our premiums. And so that drives up premiums,\" Giuliano said.

Supporters told the committee the bill narrows the statutory uncertainty that can create litigation and administrative costs but said exceptions negotiated with the trial bar are retained in the substitute. Committee members had no recorded objections in the excerpt and moved the substitute forward on a voice vote.

The committee chair concluded the meeting after approving the substitute and several other items on the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02.27.25 Judiciary","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved a substitute to House Bill 339 intended to confirm that rideshare drivers are independent contractors and to limit vicarious liability for network services, with presenters saying the change would reduce litigation and insurance costs for rideshare companies.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Georgia , Georgia","taxId",77688,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306677,"Panel approves HB531 substitute extending municipal notice period and setting sovereign immunity waiver framework",527,2193000,2720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831&start=2193&end=2720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831/thumbnail_2193000.jpg","/articles/6306677/Georgia/Panel-approves-HB531-substitute-extending-municipal-notice-period-and-setting-sovereign-immunity-waiver-framework","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306677-27b1f78441de1ab4a3685223e2056e18/orig.mp4?Expires=1775533092&Signature=VuOUoiWRTmkP7Rrey7APDxSs7d1YlikVcg1~BUKjSCyoF1ifqNc62fjAFE-KIx~1cKOZMO1dZeNElN-8JA6CxNf3~zWgds6mxtKhGitA6MQZuiftwzHR6Bn4dncznPnBgX3daXYs443Gnd3RX2F1VkxoTjE2gtLUq39oTFWc8ChmOjouEomlimSQZw4TBzb2t7-zdLWDgc3jYkPzButGNEtmAomwuyAz3-8QviPvjWnERcsj7GkHfjE7Yh-m5Sfi-S~KnkW-hhj68PeBgRec9mnFC4cTdoMR65m59NuctlZo6enhPWoot~PViYiSzAhaZv-QK0Je2nBhkbjJClHnAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgia House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25, 2025 approved a substitute to House Bill 531 that raises the municipal notice-of-claim period from six months to 12 months and establishes a framework for sovereign immunity waiver amounts for cities.

Sponsor remarks described the substitute as the product of negotiations between the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA). The substitute aligns municipal notice periods with other state and local entities, moving the municipal statute of limitations for notice from six months to 12 months, which the sponsor characterized as reducing a ‘‘trap for the unwary.’'

On sovereign immunity waiver amounts, the substitute initially included $1 million and $3 million figures sought by the GMA (matching existing state numbers); the GTLA advocated $3 million and $5 million. Representative Kelly offered an amendment to replace the numerals with $3 million and $5 million, explaining that cities are distinct from counties and that the increase would better enable injured parties to seek redress. Representative Kelly said, \"I just think we haven't had an opportunity to adjust either the county or the state's in 30 years. ... I think cities are a little bit different than counties in the state too.\" Representative Silcox opposed the higher figures, saying taxpayers should not bear higher costs.

The committee voted on the Kelly amendment (no roll call in the transcript excerpt) and recorded two members opposed; the amendment carried. The committee then approved the substitute as amended by voice vote. Sponsor remarks noted a potential Senate sponsor and urged the committee to choose numbers that could clear the full House and the Senate before crossover.

Supporters framed the substitute as balancing injured parties’ access to jury compensation with predictability for municipal budgeting and insurance. The transcript includes discussion of a prior settlement in the Milton case but does not supply a statutory citation for that case in the provided excerpt.","The committee approved a substitute to House Bill 531 that extends municipal notice-of-claim periods from six to 12 months to align with other state and local entities and establishes a framework for municipal sovereign immunity waiver amounts; an amendment shifting waiver levels passed on the floor of the committee.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306681,"Committee approves substitute to HB179 to clarify digital-recording rules and preserve right to court reporters",611,1425000,2036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831&start=1425&end=2036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","/articles/6306681/Georgia/Committee-approves-substitute-to-HB179-to-clarify-digital-recording-rules-and-preserve-right-to-court-reporters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306681-855d4e67dc2a073bf81feac449097bcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775533092&Signature=mgGmDCQ9pJIjHHNq8xdOqBdbLcSbc61bysWsI7dzcIwMPn0zXKfMbIC0P0xDkC10E30e7SNLxvSfODw32AMdvXb9RJoDgUr3wKAtRPSYu4jNwKBanWQb9FTwd1m0u6Ryh1i5~5xMtvN-tatnvfho5isUKTo2CQz3lGD4Q6~viREEkDj0TjfEO2wEEzXT2I86RheELqhtOvMKoe3WH-2oJfC07jDAMawzkJsjKNu-F6Vostgv3zKapfZ~4N5LK~sXAOhQRgOP0Q00WM8TWBFmAu5JwMgUK6yASRgGSvdGEe5Sy2OFXtyQyGr8MnS1NwNlhj5R7ucwD2yZn349m6nbcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgia House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25, 2025 approved a substitute to House Bill 179 that clarifies use of digital recording systems in court proceedings while affirming parties’ right to a court reporter.

The substitute adds language referencing Code Section 5-6-41 and specifies that parties \"always have the right to have the case reported by a court reporter,\" according to the bill sponsor’s presentation. The substitute also clarifies cross-references to subsection B of Code Section 15-14-5 and amends the definition of a digital recording system to state it is regulated by rules adopted by the Supreme Court with advice and consent of the Judicial Council or the affected trial courts.

During the hearing, Edward Lindsey presented amendment AM480053, which struck language such as \"taken by non-stenographic means\" in several sections and removed an entire subsection (section 1-3) from the amendment text; committee members discussed the edits and potential unintended consequences for court reporters. Lindsey said he and others had worked with the Board of Court Reporting and with Judge Land on the language and pledged to address any problems that might arise in the Senate. \"I would ask for your favorable consideration of this amendment,\" Lindsey said.

Committee members discussed whether the changes might weaken the role of court reporters; supporters said the substitute was intended to bring deposition-related language into the 21st century without displacing the protections and rights court reporters provide. After discussion, the committee approved the substitute as amended and the amendment AM480053 by voice vote.

The substitute’s text references specific line edits where the changes were made; the committee recorded the amendment and the final passage of the bill in the transcripted hearing excerpts.","The House Judiciary Committee approved a substitute to House Bill 179 that clarifies when digital recording systems may be used, specifies parties' right to have proceedings taken down by a court reporter, and approved an amendment to remove certain non-stenographic language.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306685,"Panel considers bill allowing counties in large circuits to fund up to five judicial officers",231,1147000,1378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831&start=1147&end=1378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2436863-0456e5679ae08f0a8253fcfc0437c831/thumbnail_1147000.jpg","/articles/6306685/Georgia/Panel-considers-bill-allowing-counties-in-large-circuits-to-fund-up-to-five-judicial-officers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306685-9da896bfe74c8845da8d4480e4edf60c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775533092&Signature=PUhNMMZGPRsK9G-bdcuYBB4y4dhBFKNHyFe19Z8ZGIJLZfrtIHdgPorDBKVskbjpKWt6Os17LFirbT7OO8DAwO4ut51I1pLvz8TAV3rx9dmainnm4HeWPcI0nryJ6qY66VhshCZ8eC5ZA2nY0~sUxU4WFNsJ0lHEPk3QQ7AfMnkqocavrJmRnsvnOAjFWaZUjm92C0hRqr5tEAUaKtjcYQjGCTms3sKcDZmIomdRZLFe1~KhyC5KFTeDtIjF8BSxh0e0HUBbCAvexDWsqoKQPO~h5Evo4LBxMQQ-67gqPKmhunFMy0d45x1SxHjAgbd9qAVpexdIFfuwTaYVDRuIgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a meeting of the Georgia House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25, 2025, members heard discussion of House Bill 482, a proposal that would authorize counties located in superior court circuits with 15 or more judges to provide funding for up to five judicial officers to assist in those circuits.

Proponents said the judicial officers would be attorneys who meet the same qualifications as sitting judges and would be selected by the circuit’s chief judge. The bill’s presenter said the positions would help the courts move pro se and lower-complexity cases through the system so sitting judges can focus on more complex matters.

Judge Eaton, who joined the presenter during the committee hearing, said judicial officers are already used on family law dockets in some circuits and that extending the practice could increase efficiency. \"Our judicial officers tend to handle more of the pro se cases. It allows us to get into more of the complex cases as they get to us,\" Eaton said during the discussion. Judge Kelly Ellerbee and court administrator David Summerlin also attended and spoke in support.

Committee members asked procedural questions about how the positions would be funded and selected; a committee member clarified that if the bill passes the General Assembly, counties would have to secure the funding through their local commissions. The presenter said the bill is intended to maintain judicial qualifications and clarify which case types the officers may hear.

A motion to advance the measure was made and seconded during the meeting; the transcript does not record a final committee vote on the bill in the portions provided.

If enacted as written, the bill would leave selection authority with the chief judge and require the judicial officers to meet the same qualifications as sitting judges. Supporters told the committee the measure aims to reduce case backlogs by reallocating lower-complexity dockets to the judicial officers while preserving judges’ time for complex civil and criminal matters.","The House Judiciary Committee reviewed House Bill 482, which would permit counties in superior court circuits with 15 or more judges to provide funding for up to five judicial officers, who would meet the same qualifications as sitting judges and be selected by the circuit chief judge.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee passes HB339 substitute clarifying vicarious liability for rideshare network drivers

Panel approves HB531 substitute extending municipal notice period and setting sovereign immunity waiver framework

Committee approves substitute to HB179 to clarify digital-recording rules and preserve right to court reporters

Panel considers bill allowing counties in large circuits to fund up to five judicial officers