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Committee passes HB339 substitute clarifying vicarious liability for rideshare network drivers
Summary
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.
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.
