Labor & Employment (Gig Economy)

HB 185 clarifies the definition of an "independent contractor" under Louisiana's workers' compensation law. It states that independent contractors are generally excluded from workers' comp coverage unless "a substantial part" of their work involves manual labor. The bill specifically excludes trucking-related tasks (like driving, fueling, or connecting trailers) from counting as manual labor. Additionally, it expands coverage to include employees of independent contractors and other contractors working through them. This change directly affects workers and businesses classified as independent contractors in Louisiana.