House Bill No. 185, introduced by Representative Melerine, seeks to amend the definition of an independent contractor within the context of workers' compensation in Louisiana. The bill modifies R.S. 23:1021 by changing the language from "shall be given" to "have" in the introductory paragraph, thereby clarifying the definitions provided in the statute. Specifically, it expands the definition of an independent contractor to include not only individuals who provide services without manual labor but also those who are substantially engaged in manual labor. This includes employees of independent contractors and other independent contractors who are also engaged in manual labor, thus ensuring they are covered under workers' compensation provisions.

The proposed changes aim to provide greater clarity and inclusivity regarding who qualifies as an independent contractor, particularly in relation to manual labor. The bill emphasizes that the operation of certain tasks, such as driving and vehicle inspections, does not constitute manual labor for the purposes of this definition. By broadening the scope of who is considered an independent contractor, the legislation seeks to ensure that more workers are protected under workers' compensation laws, thereby enhancing their rights and benefits in the workplace.

Statutes affected:
HB185 Original:
HB185 Engrossed:
HB185 Reengrossed: 23:1021