CT SB00385

Adds a new exemption to Connecticut unemployment compensation coverage for motor carrier owner-operators who operate qualified motor vehicles in intrastate or interstate commerce on Connecticut highways.

Requires owner-operators to own or have a bona fide lease arrangement for their motor vehicle, with lease exceptions only for substitute vehicles during servicing or repair.

Mandates owner-operators bear substantially all principal operating costs including maintenance, fuel, repairs, insurance, and supplies, though contracting entities may reimburse direct service-related costs like tolls and permits.

Establishes that owner-operator compensation must be based on work-related factors such as mileage rates, percentage of rate schedules, or hours expended in actual performance of services.

Requires operating agreements to document independent contractor status, acknowledge the owner-operator's self-employment status, and be presented to the Labor Department upon request.