Last Monday, the House Labor & Commerce Committee released a new version of HB79, the Governor's omnibus workers' compensation bill.
Here a web link to a copy:
The independent contractor language is Section 30 on pages 16 - 18.
Please note the changes on page 17, lines 16-18, which relate to subcontractors providing tools, labor, and other operational costs. The language has been amended to say that the subcontractor "may" supply building materials.
Also, there is a new "three out of five" criteria test found on page 18, lines 6 - 22.
There were a lot of questions from legislators (Rep. Chris Birch and Rep. Gary Knopp) about the independent contractor language, and whether the new language addressed concerns by home builders.The Department of Labor responded by saying that the new language was their effort to address our concerns, but there has not yet been a chance to hear from us. (Please note the bill draft is dated Friday, March 3rd.)
Rep. Kito, Chairman of the Committee, said that HB79 would be held for a while. More public testimony will be scheduled at a future date, and he expects there will be more changes to the bill.