A veteran trucker describes the struggle of leaving California after a contentious law forced him to abandon his independent business. He recounts how Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) made it nearly impossible for small business truckers to operate, as the law enforced a one-size-fits-all definition of employment. This regulation was seen as a threat to thousands of independent contractors, many of whom are women, veterans, immigrants, and first-generation business owners. The law’s impact was so significant that it led to a critical decision for the trucker: stay and watch his business collapse or leave the state to preserve his livelihood.
The trucker’s experience is emblematic of a broader issue in the trucking industry. Many small business owners in the sector feared the consequences of AB 5, which was enacted in 2020. The bill aimed to classify more workers as employees, which would have subjected them to higher taxes and stricter regulations. This led to a surge in independent truckers leaving California to avoid the law’s stringent employment requirements. The trucker describes the decision to leave his home state as a heartbreaking yet necessary move to save his business and the lives of his four daughters.
His advocacy for change has brought him into the spotlight as he supports Rep. Kevin Kiley’s legislation, known as the ‘Modern Worker Empowerment Act.’ The bill, which passed out of committee in the House of Representatives, seeks to restore a more common-sense definition of independent work. The trucker credits Kiley for recognizing the negative impact of AB 5 on small businesses and for taking action to prevent similar legislation from affecting independent workers across the country. The legislation’s passage is viewed as a positive development, offering a path to reclassify independent contractors and ensure they can operate without unnecessary restrictions.
The trucker emphasizes how the ability to work as an independent contractor is more than just a business model—it is a lifeline for many. He highlights the importance of autonomy in his role as a mother, a role model for women in the industry, and a provider for his family. His decision to leave California was not easy, but it was a necessary step to preserve the freedom and flexibility that he and other truckers rely on to sustain their businesses. The trucker remains hopeful that the ‘Modern Worker Empowerment Act’ will pave the way for a more equitable system for independent workers, allowing him the possibility of returning to his home state in the future.