ATLANTA, GA — In a major victory for worker freedom and economic innovation, the Georgia Legislature today passed House Bill 987, landmark legislation that expands access to portable benefits for the state’s more than one million independent workers. The legislation now heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.
HB 987 creates a voluntary, flexible framework that allows freelancers, contractors, and independent workers to access critical benefits such as retirement savings, health insurance, disability coverage, and life insurance—without sacrificing their work independence or flexibility.
Bill sponsor Representative Todd Jones (District 25) said: “Too many independent workers are forced to choose between flexibility and basic security. Voluntary portable benefits would change that equation. This legislation ensures Georgians can access affordable healthcare 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.”
“Georgia is leading the way in recognizing that the workforce has changed and that our policies must change with it,” said Patrice Onwuka, vice president for economic policy at Independent Women. “No worker should be forced into a traditional 9-to-5 job. This legislation empowers workers, especially women, to earn on their own terms while building greater economic security.”
“Representative Todd Jones’ sponsorship of the ‘Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act’ unlocks portable benefits for independent workers without risking their independent status. We applaud the efforts of the Georgia Legislature and our coalition partners at Libertas Institute for their dedication and determination to help get this bill passed,” Onwuka added.
Independent workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce, making up nearly 10% of the workforce in Georgia. Yet many are locked out of accessing traditional employee benefits simply because they choose flexible, independent work.
HB 987 changes that. The legislation allows hiring parties to voluntarily contribute funds to portable benefit accounts without those contributions being used as a factor in employment classification determinations. This critical protection removes a long-standing barrier that has discouraged companies from offering benefits in the first place.
The bill also reinforces protections for independent contractor status under wage, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other employment-related laws—providing clarity and certainty for both workers and businesses.
With nearly 4,000 Independent Women’s Network members in the state, Independent Women continues to amplify the voices of independent workers through its national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.”
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