HB256 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rhett MarquesRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to labor and employement; to exclude consideration of a motor carrier's use of safety improvements, technologies, practices, and driver coaching in determining a motor carrier driver's classification as an independent contractor or an employee under state law.

Summary

HB256 would bar considering a motor carrier's safety improvements and driver coaching when determining whether a driver is an employee or an independent contractor under Alabama law.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill prevents the use of a motor carrier's safety improvements to influence a driver's classification as an employee or independent contractor. It defines what counts as a motor carrier safety improvement, including devices, software, training, policies, and practices aimed at improving safety. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs the bill or it becomes law by other means.

Who It Affects

• Motor carriers and related entities – their safety improvements, technologies, practices, and driver coaching cannot be used to determine a driver's employment status.
• Motor carrier drivers (whether classified as employees or independent contractors) – their classification cannot be based on safety improvements or coaching implemented by the carrier.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Deployment, implementation, or use of motor carrier safety improvements shall not be considered when evaluating an individual's status as an employee or independent contractor under state law.
• Section 1(b): Defines 'motor carrier safety improvement' to include any device, equipment, software, technology, procedure, training, policy, program, or operational practice intended to improve safety (traffic/motor carrier safety laws, vehicle safety, operator safety, or safety of third parties).
• Section 2: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, or when it otherwise becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.