NY A08645

Amends Public Officers Law § 17 to classify independent contractors and their employees who install temporary traffic controls as "employees" for purposes of state defense and indemnification.

Applies this classification only when contractors act pursuant to a direct order by a police officer or other public official in charge of traffic incidents, accidents, or hazardous material spills.

Limits the "employee" classification to defense and indemnification rights only; does not affect contractor liability, applicability of civil practice law, general municipal law, or general obligations law to claims against the contractor.

Specifies that independent contractors do not gain rights to notice of claim, notice of intention to make claim, or venue in court of claims based on this classification.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.