HB716 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul DeMarco

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Workers' compensation, owner-operator defined, Sec. 25-5-1 am'd.

Summary

HB716 defines 'owner-operator' for Alabama workers' compensation purposes and confirms that owner-operators and their drivers are not employees of the common carrier under contract.

What This Bill Does

It amends the workers' compensation definitions to include a formal definition of 'owner-operator' as an equipment lessor who provides vehicles with a driver under contract to a common carrier. It then states that the owner-operator and the driver are not considered employees of the common carrier for workers' compensation coverage or benefits. It also reaffirms that the common carrier is not the employer of leased-operators or owner-operators under contract. The act takes effect immediately after passage and the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Owner-operators (equipment lessors) who provide vehicles with a driver under contract to a common carrier, and their drivers, who are not treated as employees of the common carrier for workers' compensation purposes.
• Common carriers by motor vehicle and the contracts they have with leased-operators or owner-operators, for whom the carrier is not considered the employer under workers' compensation.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'owner-operator' in Section 25-5-1 as an equipment lessor who provides vehicular equipment with a driver to transport passengers or property under contract with a common carrier.
• Specifies that the owner-operator and its driver are not considered employees of the common carrier for purposes of workers' compensation coverage or benefits.
• States that a common carrier by motor vehicle shall not be deemed the 'employer' of a leased-operator or owner-operator under contract to the common carrier.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Workers' Compensation