California AttorneyGeneral Rob Bonta issued the following statement regarding the United StatesCourt of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to uphold AB 5 in Owner-OperatorIndependent Drivers Association, Inc. v. Bonta. Thecase was brought by the California Trucking Association, alongwith Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. (OOIDA) inthe Southern District of California. Plaintiffs argued thatapplying AB 5 to drivers who own their trucks and lease their services to motorcarriers violates the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.In the decision, the Ninth Circuit disagreed, concluding that AB 5neither discriminates against interstate commerce nor imposes an excessiveburden upon it. “We’re pleased with the Court’s decision today to uphold AB 5’sprotections. This landmark law is essential in preventing the exploitation ofworkers misclassified as independent contractors, including in the truckingindustry, and ensures a more just and equitable economy for all Californians.The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment tostanding up for the rights of our workers to receive the benefits andprotections to which they are legally entitled. – AG Bonta