A new Indiana law requires transportation employers who hire apprentices and work-based learning students to carry workers' compensation insurance and sign written agreements—effective next year.
Most trucking and transportation owners in Indiana don't yet realize that a provision buried in SB0080 will create a direct insurance and compliance obligation for any business that participates in apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, or work-based learning programs. The rule takes effect July 1, 2026.
Under Section 300 of SB0080 (codified as IC 20-20.5-11.5-4(a), page 377), employers participating in work-based learning programs must:
Execute a written agreement with the educational institution or program sponsor before a student worker begins work.
Carry workers' compensation insurance that covers the student participants. This is a mandatory insurance requirement, not optional.
These obligations apply whether you're bringing in a high school apprentice, a pre-apprenticeship participant, or a student in a formal work-based learning course.
If your trucking or transportation company currently participates in—or is considering participating in—any of these programs, you're directly affected:
Even small operations that take on one or two student workers fall under this requirement. The law doesn't carve out exceptions based on company size.
The practical impact is straightforward: before you can legally employ a student in a work-based learning program, you'll need to confirm your workers' compensation policy covers that worker, and you'll need a signed written agreement in place with the school or program.
For many transportation employers, this means reviewing your current workers' comp policy to ensure it covers apprentices and student workers, or potentially adding coverage. Some policies automatically include them; others require a rider or amendment. You'll want to clarify this with your insurance agent well before July 1, 2026.
The written agreement requirement is administrative but non-negotiable. Schools and program sponsors will likely provide a template, but you should review it with your insurance agent or legal advisor to ensure it aligns with your policy terms and your company's practices.
The effective date is July 1, 2026. That gives employers time to review their insurance coverage and establish agreements, but not indefinitely. If you're currently in a work-based learning program or planning to start one, now is the time to begin the conversation with your insurance provider.
The provision is part of SB0080, which addresses code publication and related education matters. While it's not the headline of the bill, it's a direct regulatory requirement for any transportation business using student labor in structured learning programs.
For a free, detailed breakdown of how this rule applies to your specific operation, contact your state trucking association or local chamber of commerce—many have resources tailored to Indiana transportation employers.