TOPEKA, KS — Today, Kansas Representative Laura Williams introduced HB 2602 modeled after Independent Women’s “Voluntary Portable Benefits Act“ designed to protect worker freedom while expanding access to vital financial and healthcare benefits for independent workers.

Independent contractors are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce and already make up approximately 13% of Kansas workers. Yet outdated labor laws continue to lock many of these workers out of affordable benefits simply because they choose flexible, independent work.

Independent Women unveiled its portable benefits model legislation last year as part of a multi-state initiative to ensure independent workers can access voluntary benefits such as health, disability, and retirement coverage without sacrificing flexibility or risking worker misclassification. If enacted, the legislation primarily protects independent contractor status when companies contribute to portable benefits accounts for their 1099 workers.

Representative Laura Williams said: “As a small business owner and longtime Lenexa resident, I see firsthand how much Kansans value flexibility in the way they work. Portable benefits offer a smart, voluntary way to expand access to benefits without creating new mandates or burdens for employers. It’s a balanced solution that supports workers, strengthens our economy, and reflects the realities of today’s workforce. I am proud to sponsor this legislation and look forward to seeing it pass.”

Senator Tory Marie Blew, who is assisting with efforts on the Senate side, said: “As a former teacher and now a working mom with a young child, I know how important stability and choice are for families. Portable benefits offer a modern solution – empowering independent workers to opt in to benefits that fit their lives, without forcing a one size fits all system. Kansas has an opportunity to lead with a thoughtful, balanced approach that supports both workers and innovation.”

Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said: “Independent Women applauds Kansas for modernizing their labor laws to adjust to the realities of how many people work today. This bill demonstrates that the state can be responsive to its independent workforce without creating new mandates or increasing costly burdens on businesses.”

Kansas’ proposal builds on growing momentum nationwide. States including Georgia, West Virginia, Mississippi, Florida, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Alabama have championed and advanced portable benefits frameworks as policymakers seek solutions to preserve independent workers.

Research from the Mercatus Center underscores the impact of these programs: 73% of respondents report feeling more financially secure, and 91%  said they would feel more secure if the pilot program were made permanent. Nearly 75% of respondents who previously lacked access to benefits gained coverage they would otherwise not have had.

If enacted, Kansas would become an early adopter of Independent Women’s portable benefits model, positively affecting the lives of over 220,000 freelancers and independent contractors across the state.

Independent Women is also amplifying the voices of independent workers in Georgia through its national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.” These firsthand accounts highlight the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workforce. 

To learn more about Independent Women’s work to protect independent contractors and freelancers across the country, see resources below:

Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected]. 

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