Senate Bill 256 aims to clarify the employment status of delivery network couriers and transportation network drivers, defining them as independent contractors rather than employees under specific conditions. The bill stipulates that if a network company does not impose certain restrictions on drivers—such as mandating specific working hours or terminating contracts for not accepting service requests—then those drivers will not be considered employees for the purposes of workers' compensation, minimum wage laws, and unemployment insurance. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for portable benefit accounts, allowing network companies to contribute to these accounts for eligible drivers, which can be used for various purposes, including compensating for lost income due to illness or injury.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that network companies may provide group or blanket accident and sickness insurance for their drivers, detailing the required coverage amounts and conditions. It also includes new definitions for terms related to delivery and transportation network services, such as "application-based driver" and "delivery network company." The legislation modifies existing statutes to incorporate these changes, including the creation of penalties for improper use of funds from portable benefit accounts. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the benefits and protections available to drivers while maintaining their status as independent contractors.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 71.63(2), 71.63, 102.07(8)(a), 102.07