Ohio House Bill 604

Major Update for Rideshare Companies in Ohio

The Ohio House of Representatives recently introduced House Bill 604 (“H.B. 604”) to create liability protections for transportation network companies (“TNCs”). Chad M. Sizemore and Noah B. Oliver discuss what this bill means for rideshare companies that conduct business in Ohio in this latest edition of The DMC Report.

H.B. 604 underwent a third committee hearing on May 19, 2026. The bill proposes significant liability protections for TNCs, such as rideshare and delivery platform providers. The legislation would limit exposure under Products Liability Law, clarify the scope of vicarious liability for driver conduct, and reinforce regulatory exemptions from common carrier classification.

If enacted, H.B. 604 would further solidify the legal framework distinguishing TNCs from traditional transportation providers while reducing potential litigation risks associated with digital platforms and independent contractor drivers.

Key provisions of H.B. 604 create exclusion from Products Liability Law, place limitations on vicarious liability of TNCs, and continue the TNC exemption from common carrier regulations.

H.B. 604 would expressly exclude a TNC’s digital infrastructure, including mobile applications, websites, and related software from Ohio’s Products Liability Law. This represents a notable expansion of protections for technology-enabled service providers, particularly in cases involving app reliability, dispatch errors, or algorithmic decision-making.

Among other things, H.B. 604:

• prohibits plaintiffs from bringing product liability claims based on alleged defects in a TNC’s digital platform; and
• prohibits malfunctions, design flaws, or other defects in apps or systems used for ride-hailing or delivery services from qualifying as a “product” for purposes of statutory liability.

Additionally, the bill limits circumstances under which a TNC may be held vicariously liable for harm allegedly caused by its drivers.

Under H.B. 604, a TNC would not be liable for a driver’s conduct if:

• the TNC did not engage in criminal wrongdoing related to the incident; and
• the TNC complied with all applicable statutory obligations (e.g., required background checks).

These rules would reinforce the independent contractor status of drivers, provide a statutory shield to negligence claims, and may significantly reduce exposure to negligence claims based on driver misconduct.

Finally, H.B. 604 clarifies that:

• TNCs and their drivers are not subject to common carrier laws; and
• vehicles used for TNC services need not be registered as common carriers.

Ohio law already excludes TNCs from regulations governing taxis, limousines, and for-hire motor carriers. This provision reinforces that classification and eliminates ambiguity regarding broader “common carrier” obligations.

Should H.B. 604 pass, it creates substantial legal and business implications for TNCs, including reduced litigation risk, greater operational certainty by reinforcing existing contractor-based business models, and provides technology protection by shielding digital platforms from defect-based claims.

The bottom line is that for plaintiffs and consumers there are narrowed avenues for recovery. Claims may need to focus on direct negligence rather than product-based theories. There will also be a higher evidentiary burden. Plaintiffs and consumers will have to demonstrate TNC wrongdoing or statutory noncompliance to impose liability.

Going forward, the bill may influence similar legislative efforts in other states and aligns with a broader trend of limiting liability for digital intermediaries. Regardless, TNCs should ensure strict adherence to statutory requirements.

H.B. 604 represents a meaningful shift in Ohio law governing transportation network companies, further insulating such companies from liability tied to both their digital platforms and independent contractor drivers. If enacted, the bill would strengthen legal protections for TNCs while narrowing avenues for claims by injured parties.

As H.B. 604 moves through the Ohio House of Representatives, we will continue to monitor this legislation with any new developments.

Chad M. Sizemore 513-909-1533 csizemore@dmclaw.com

Noah B. Oliver 614-258-5708 noliver@dmclaw.com