HB4357 amends Oklahoma’s transportation network company (TNC) insurance law to increase the minimum required automobile liability coverage for rideshare drivers and TNCs. The bill doubles the minimum coverage required while a driver is logged into the TNC network but not yet on a prearranged ride, raising the limits from $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 to $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and property damage. It leaves the $1 million minimum coverage requirement in place for periods when the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride.
The bill also preserves and clarifies related insurance rules for uninsured motorist coverage, proof of insurance, and the ability to satisfy the requirements through coverage maintained by either the driver, the TNC, or a combination of both. If a driver’s coverage lapses or is insufficient, the TNC’s policy must step in from the first dollar of a claim and provide a duty to defend. The bill further states that compliant coverage satisfies the state’s motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements while the driver is logged into the network, and it allows proof of coverage to be carried electronically. The effective date is November 1, 2027.
Impact
HB4357 would amend Section 1025 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs insurance requirements for transportation network company drivers and TNCs. Its main legal effect is to increase the mandatory minimum liability coverage for logged-in, available drivers and to reinforce the allocation of responsibility between driver and TNC insurers. It also affects related provisions on uninsured motorist coverage, proof of insurance, accident disclosure obligations, and the relationship between TNC coverage and the state’s financial responsibility laws.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the provided materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be a consumer-protection and risk-allocation bill aimed at increasing insurance protection for passengers, other motorists, and property owners during rideshare operations. The absence of recorded votes or discussion means the overall legislative sentiment cannot be measured from the supplied context.
Contention
The likely point of contention is the higher insurance mandate for transportation network companies and their drivers, which could increase operating costs, premiums, and compliance burdens for rideshare businesses and drivers. Supporters would likely view the higher minimums as necessary to better protect injured parties and ensure adequate coverage during app-based driving. Another possible issue is the bill’s requirement that TNC coverage apply immediately if a driver’s personal policy lapses, which shifts more risk to the company and its insurer. No specific objections are documented in the provided history.