Georgia House bill by author Rep. Leverett exempting ride share networks from certain liabilities passes House and Senate

Passed bill introduced by State Rep. Rob Leverett aims to revise liability standards for ride share networks, seeking to clarify obligations and require regular background checks after winning approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Wednesday, April 2, clearing the House by a vote of 166-0 and the Senate by a vote of 46-7.

The bill, introduced as HB339 on Thursday, Feb. 6 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Motor vehicles; exempt ride share drivers or ride share network services from definition of motor carrier’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends Article 3 of Chapter 1 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to exempt ride share network services from liability for certain actions of ride share drivers. It revises definitions and requires ride share services to comply with specific conditions, such as not being negligent or criminally misconducted, adhering to obligations to drivers, and conducting criminal background checks on drivers at least every two years. Additionally, it designates digital or internet networks used by ride share services as services rather than products. The bill also repeals conflicting laws and includes conforming changes to ensure consistency with the revised regulations.

In the House, 74 Democrats and 92 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 20 Democrats and 26 Republicans voted in favor, while two Democrats and five Republicans voted against it.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Demetrius Douglas (Democrat-78th), Rep. Chuck Efstration (Republican-104th), and Rep. Houston Gaines (Republican-120th), along with three other co-sponsors.

Leverett graduated from Dartmouth College in 1986 with a BA and again from University of Georgia with a JD.

Leverett, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 123rd House District, replacing previous state representative Mark Newton.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday, May 14.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.