Bill would make it easier to classify workers as contractors, not employees
Placed on the calendarH.R. 1319Latest action
Sponsor: Kevin Kiley · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Modern Worker Empowerment Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Modern Worker Empowerment Act would loosen the federal test for who counts as an employee versus an independent contractor.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would change how the federal government determines whether a worker is an "employee" or an "independent contractor" under wage-and-hour law and union law. A worker could be classified as a contractor if the company doesn't control the specific details of the work and the worker has some business judgment or entrepreneurial risk. Common requirements like safety rules, insurance, deadlines, or legal compliance could not be used as evidence of employee status.
Who does it affect?
This would primarily affect gig workers, freelancers, delivery and rideshare drivers, and companies like app-based platforms and staffing agencies that rely on independent contractors.
Why does it matter?
Businesses using contractors would likely find it easier to classify workers as contractors rather than employees, which affects access to minimum wage, overtime pay, and unionizing protections.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Feb 20, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431.