Certain gig workers to be classified as contractors

Senators passed a measure March 10 after a successful cloture motion that codifies ride-share and certain delivery drivers as independent contractors in state law.

LB229, sponsored by Syracuse Sen. Bob Hallstrom, adds workers who use technical applications for marketplace network platforms, such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash, to an existing list of workers who are classified as independent contractors and are excluded from the state’s Employment Security Law.

A marketplace network platform is defined as an entity that accepts requests from the public for its services only through its digital network or mobile application and that does not specify set hours of operation for contractors or prohibit contractors from engaging in other employment.

After two hours of debate over two days, Hallstrom offered a motion to invoke cloture, which ends debate and forces a vote on the bill and any pending amendments.

The motion was adopted on a 33-15 vote, the minimum number required. Lawmakers then voted 33-15 to pass LB229.