This bill proposes a new legal framework for civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles that require a commercial driver's license. It allows a defendant to request the dismissal of claims of direct negligence if they can stipulate that the alleged negligent party was either their employee or independent contractor acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the incident. The bill outlines specific conditions under which this dismissal can occur, including the requirement that the defendant acknowledges the relationship and scope of employment of the negligent party.

Furthermore, if the defendant makes the necessary stipulations regarding their employee or independent contractor, and it is determined that their negligence contributed to the damages, the defendant's liability will be assessed solely based on the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This means that the employer or principal can be held liable for the actions of their employees or agents performed within the course of their employment or duties. The bill also clarifies that the term "commercial motor vehicle" is defined as per existing law in section 60-316.