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HB 339

RELATING TO ELECTRIC UTILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Lowen

House Bill 339 protects ride share services from liability for driver actions, boosting industry growth and job opportunities while enhancing consumer options in Georgia.

Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 780) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN.
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Bill Summary · HB 339

Summary of House Bill 339: Relating to Electric Utilities

Overview

House Bill 339 (HB 339) aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated concerning motor carriers, specifically addressing the liability of ride share network services. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2025, and has undergone several amendments and committee reviews before being reported favorably from the Committee on Consumer Protection (CPC) and referred to the Committee on Finance (FIN).

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 339 is to provide legal protections for ride share network services by exempting them from liability for actions taken by ride share drivers under certain conditions. This legislation seeks to clarify the definitions related to motor carriers and ensure that ride share services can operate without the burden of extensive liability for driver actions, thereby promoting the growth of the ride share industry in Georgia.

Key Provisions

  1. Liability Exemption:

    • Ride share network services will not be liable for injuries or damages resulting from the operation of personal passenger cars by ride share drivers, provided:
      • There is no negligence or criminal misconduct by the ride share service.
      • The service complies with all legal obligations regarding ride share drivers.
      • Background checks are conducted for each ride share driver at least once every two years.

  2. Revised Definitions:

    • The bill revises the definitions of "motor carrier" and "elderly or disabled passenger" to clarify who is included and excluded under the law.
    • It specifies that ride share drivers and services are not classified as motor carriers, which alters the regulatory landscape for these services.

  3. Conforming Changes:

    • The bill includes various conforming changes to ensure consistency within the law regarding motor carriers and ride share services.

  4. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • Any existing laws that conflict with the provisions of HB 339 will be repealed.

Impact

  • Ride Share Services: The bill is expected to significantly reduce the legal risks associated with operating ride share services, potentially encouraging more companies to enter the market and expand their offerings.
  • Drivers: Ride share drivers may benefit from increased job opportunities as companies feel more secure in their operations.
  • Consumers: The legislation may lead to more competitive pricing and availability of ride share options for consumers.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • House Passed: March 4, 2025
  • Senate Passed: April 2, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 14, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Related Legislation

  • SB 137: A companion bill that addresses similar issues concerning ride share services and motor carriers.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HB 339, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the ride share industry in Georgia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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