Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Still has signed a bill into law that exempts local delivery services from being regulated like the trucking industry by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Authority.
Senate Bill 999, authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, is now the Oklahoma Courier Application Services Act, which goes into effect on Nov. 1. The bill defines a courier application service (CAS) as a business entity that uses a digital network to connect business entities including itself, its affiliates, or people to CAS drivers for the purpose of providing courier services on an on-demand basis
SB999 provides an exemption for these types of services from regulations designed for for-hire motor carriers. These regulations will no longer apply to light property carriers that utilize digital platforms for local deliveries like Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash and Amazon Flex.
Under the measure, vehicles at or under 8,000 pounds and with a maximum of two axles will qualify as light property carrier vehicles. Qualifying companies participating in local delivery will be required to have a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for drivers and those drivers must provide a valid drivers license; proof of vehicle registration; and minimum age requirements.
“Delivery services like Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grub Hub and even Amazon Flex have exploded in popularity over the past year, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bergstrom said in a media release. “This measure ensures these delivery companies can safely operate in our state without over-regulation, but with consumer protections as well. It’s a win-win for Oklahomans and these companies who provide an in-demand service in the digital age. This ensures that Oklahomans will have these types of opportunities to supplement their income.”
Rep. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, served as the House author for the measure.
A House amendment to the measure removed language requiring drivers to maintain liability coverage and for courier application service entities to maintain liability motor vehicle insurance valued at $50,000.00 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000.00 for death and bodily injury per incident, and $25,000.00 for property damage.
The insurance requirements were contained in the original version of the bill.
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