Statement from Attorney General Bonta Regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Decision to Uphold AB 5

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to uphold AB 5 in Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. v. Bonta. The case was brought by the California Trucking Association, along with Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. (OOIDA) in the Southern District of California. Plaintiffs argued that applying AB 5 to drivers who own their trucks and lease their services to motor carriers violates the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. In today's decision, the Ninth Circuit disagreed, concluding that AB 5 neither discriminates against interstate commerce nor imposes an excessive burden upon it. 

“We’re pleased with the Court’s decision today to uphold AB 5’s protections. This landmark law is essential in preventing the exploitation of workers misclassified as independent contractors, including in the trucking industry, and ensures a more just and equitable economy for all Californians. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to standing up for the rights of our workers to receive the benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled."

A copy of the ruling is available here.