Lawmakers in Washington state have passed legislation that would enhance workers compensation survivor benefits in deaths involving drivers working for ride-sharing services.
The measure, House Bill 2382, passed the Senate in a majority vote on Wednesday and now heads to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee for his consideration. It previously passed the House.
The legislation would provide death benefits to survivors of ride-sharing drivers who die behind the wheel, regardless of whether they are driving a fare or waiting to receive a trip at the time of death.
The bill would amend current law, which does not provide workers comp death benefits if the driver is logged into a ride-sharing app but isn’t driving a customer at the time of death.
State Rep. Liz Berry, a sponsor of the measure, had previously stated that the bill was sparked by five ride-share drivers who were killed on the job since 2020.