87R7167 CXP-D By: Thompson of Brazoria H.B. No. 2520 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the considerations when determining whether an operator of a motor vehicle is an employee of a motor carrier or an independent contractor. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subtitle F, Title 7, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Chapter 644A to read as follows: CHAPTER 644A. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY IMPROVEMENT: EMPLOYMENT STATUS Sec. 644A.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Motor carrier" has the meaning assigned by Section 643.001. (2) "Motor carrier safety improvement" means any device, equipment, software, technology, procedure, training, policy, program, or operational practice that is intended and primarily used to improve or facilitate: (A) compliance with traffic safety or motor carrier safety laws; (B) safety of a motor vehicle; (C) safety of an operator of a motor vehicle; and (D) safety of third-party users of public roadways. Sec. 644A.002. EMPLOYMENT STATUS. The deployment, implementation, or use of a motor carrier safety improvement by or as required by a motor carrier or a related entity, including through contract, may not be considered when determining whether the operator of a motor vehicle is an employee or joint employee of the motor carrier or an independent contractor for purposes of state law. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.