WASHINGTON, D.C. – Momentum is building fast for America’s independent workforce. In the first month of state legislative sessions commencing, seven states—Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming—have introduced bills modeled on Independent Women’s Voluntary Portable Benefits Act, signaling growing bipartisan recognition that independent contractors deserve access to benefits without sacrificing flexibility or autonomy. 

If enacted, the legislation primarily protects independent contractor status when companies contribute to portable benefits accounts for their 1099 workers. This increases access to critical financial and healthcare benefits to more than five million of the nation’s 74 million independent workers, many of whom have long been locked out of traditional employer benefits for choosing the flexibility and economic opportunity that independent work affords.

“Portable benefits are a game changer,” said Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity and author of the legislative model. “They modernize access to benefits and help millions of independent workers build security without losing their independent status or the flexibility they rely on. That’s especially important to women who are mothers and caregivers. Importantly, this model legislation imposes no mandate on businesses; it’s 100% voluntary and can be viewed by companies as a tool to retain their independent workforce.” 

Independent Women unveiled its Voluntary Portable Benefits Act model legislation last year as part of a multi-state initiative to modernize workforce policy—ensuring independent workers can access benefits such as health, disability, and retirement coverage without sacrificing flexibility or risking worker misclassification.

“In the first month of the year, seven state legislatures have said yes to a simple idea: people shouldn’t have to surrender their independent status just to access the benefits that help them and their families thrive,” said Jordanne Kemper, vice president of Independent Women’s Voice. “Building on three states that have already implemented this policy, Independent Women’s Voluntary Portable Benefits Act is accelerating nationwide. This momentum is proof that lawmakers are listening to the modern workforce. We look forward to seeing what can be accomplished the rest of the year.”

EARLY MOMENTUM IN THE STATES:

  • In Florida, one of the states with the largest opportunities for workforce impact, two bills have received bipartisan introduction: HB 1431, sponsored by Representative Rita Harris (D), and SB 604, sponsored by Senator Bryan Avila (R).
  • In Georgia, HB 987 has been introduced, sponsored by State Representatives Todd Jones, Brad Thomas, Victor Anderson, Mike Cameron, and Carter Barrett. The bill has already received a hearing and passed out of the House Industry and Labor Committee.
    • “Too many independent workers are forced to choose between flexibility and basic security. Voluntary portable benefits would change that equation,” said Representative Jones. “This legislation ensures Georgians can access affordable health care and essential benefits without giving up their independence, their livelihoods, or the modern ways they work. It’s a common-sense update for the 21st-century workforce.”
  • In Kansas, HB 2602 was introduced by Representative Laura Williams with leadership from Senator Tory Marie Blew advocating for portable benefits in the Senate.
    • “As a small business owner and longtime Lenexa resident, I see firsthand how much Kansans value flexibility in the way they work,” said Kansas Representative Laura Williams. “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.”
    • “As a former teacher and now a working mom with a young child, I know how important stability and choice are for families,” said Senator Blew. “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.”
  • In Mississippi, the expansion of portable benefits is being prioritized in two bills: HB 1072, introduced by Representative Lee Yancy, and HB 866 sponsored by Representative Trey Lamar. 
  • In New Hampshire, HB 1245 sponsored by Representatives Samuel Farrington, Michael Granger, Brian Labrie, and Mark Warden, along with Senator Dan Innis, presents an opportunity for New Hampshire to set a new precedent across New England for independent workers to access portable benefits.
    • Independent Women’s Network Southern New Hampshire Chapter Leader & Leading Member Bronwyn Sims testified in support of HB 1245 during its hearing on January 20, 2026.
    • In her testimony, Sims said, in part: “Independent work is how I am able to balance my own priorities and maintain a flexible schedule that allows me to pursue my passions. Working for myself is the ability to choose who I work for and when and how I work. It is important that this opportunity is protected. I value my ability to make my own schedule while still pursuing a fulfilling career.”
  • In West Virginia, four companion bills have been introduced:  “The Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act” which Governor Morrisey has prioritized were introduced in both the House and Senate. These two bills are HB 4014, , sponsored by Speaker Hanshaw and Delegate Hornbuckle, the companion SB 402, sponsored by Senator Randy Smith and Senator Mike Woelfel. Additional efforts have been introduced as SB 68, sponsored by Senator Rucker and HB 4009, sponsored by Delegate Kyle Both {HB 4014 and SB 402} have received hearings and are moving quickly through the legislature.
    • During his State of the State Address to kick off West Virginia’s legislative session, Governor Patrick Morrisey became the first governor in the nation to announce portable benefits as a key legislative priority. Governor Morrisey said: “As one of the country’s first governors to support portable benefits, I’m a proud champion of the Workforce Readiness & Opportunity Act.  This bill provides a variety of desperately needed benefits for those who serve invaluable roles in the workforce.”
  • “There are nearly 100,000 independent workers in West Virginia deserving an opportunity to access benefits like health insurance and retirement,” said West Virginia Senator Rucker. “The Voluntary Portable Benefits Act creates an avenue for our non-traditional workforce to build better security for themselves and their families. I am proud to sponsor this innovative legislation and look forward to West Virginia leading the region with its passage.”
  • In Wyoming, SF 41 has been introduced led by Senators Jared Olsen, Barry Crago, Brian Boner, and Representatives J.D. Williams and Lee Filer.
    • “Portable benefits are a practical way to support the growing number of Wyomingites who choose flexible work while strengthening our small business economy,” said lead sponsor, Senator Jared Olsen. “This approach protects worker choice, encourages innovation, and helps families access benefits without raising costs or creating new mandates.”

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