California tightening independent contractor rules

California AB5, the gig economy bill signed September 2019, became law Jan. 1. It requires companies to treat more of their independent contractors like employees. Initially targeting those who drive for services like Uber and Lyft, as well as freelance writers, it also impacts owner-operator truck drivers, some of whom are selling their rigs and becoming company employees. While debate on the bill continues in the state, California is always a bellwether of potential nationwide policy and its activities are worth monitoring.