TOPEKA, KS — In a vast bipartisan victory for independent workers, the Kansas Legislature today passed House Bill 2602 by a combined vote of 143-21, positioning the state to become the eighth in the nation to adopt a portable benefits framework modeled after Independent Women’s “Voluntary Portable Benefits Act.” This legislation expands economic opportunity for independent workers while preserving the flexibility and autonomy that define independent work.
Governor Laura Kelly is now poised to become the first Democratic governor in the country to sign portable benefits legislation into law, underscoring the broad, bipartisan appeal of a policy solution tailored to the realities of today’s modern workforce.
“Portable benefits are a bipartisan game-changer,” said Patrice Onwuka, Vice President of Economic Policy at Independent Women. “The Kansas Legislature just took an important step forward in protecting self-employed workers and freelancers, as they enjoy access to the benefits that will increase their security. This law is especially important to women who depend on independent contracting to balance earning with caregiving responsibilities and other priorities.”
In support of HB 2602, Onwuka submitted testimony before the Kansas Senate Committee on Commerce, emphasizing the importance of expanding access to portable, worker owned benefits without undermining independent contractor status. She highlighted how portable benefits can help close longstanding gaps in access to health coverage and retirement savings – particularly for women balancing work and caregiving, while preserving the flexibility that defines independent work. Onwuka also noted that the bill provides critical legal clarity, allowing businesses to contribute to benefits voluntarily without risking worker reclassification, and expressed support for a proposed amendment to further strengthen the framework.
“Kansas is leading the way in modernizing workforce policy. I’m proud to have helped advance HB 2602, ensuring independent workers can access benefits that support their needs without sacrificing the flexibility they rely on,” said Representative Laura Williams, lead sponsor. “This is a meaningful step forward for our state’s economy.”
Senator Tory Marie Blew, who led efforts as HB 2602 made its way to the Senate for unanimous passage, said “Kansas is setting the standard with HB 2602. I’m grateful for the collaboration of partners like Independent Women who helped bring this policy forward. Together, we’re expanding opportunities for independent workers while preserving the flexibility that defines their work.”
Independent workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce, representing over 220,000 workers and roughly 15% of the workforce in Kansas. Yet many are locked out of accessing traditional employee benefits simply because they choose flexible, independent work.
HB 2602 creates a voluntary framework, allowing independent workers to establish portable benefit plans—including retirement savings, health insurance, disability coverage, and life insurance—while ensuring those benefits remain fully owned and controlled by the worker.
Notably, this legislation explicitly protects independent contractor classification under wage, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other employment-related laws, eliminating legal barriers that previously discouraged companies from offering benefits to independent workers.
With the passage of HB 2602, hiring parties may voluntarily contribute funds to portable benefit accounts without those contributions being used as a factor in employment classification determinations. This ensures workers gain access to critical financial and healthcare benefits without sacrificing their flexibility or autonomy. Participation in portable benefits is entirely voluntary for both workers and hiring entities. Independent contractors retain full control over whether to opt in or out of benefit contributions, and voluntary participation cannot be used to reclassify workers as employees.
Independent Women unveiled its Voluntary Portable Benefits Act model legislation last year as part of a multi-state initiative to modernize workforce policy and safeguard independent worker choice. The organization continues to amplify the voices of independent workers through its national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.,” highlighting the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workforce.
Kansas, home to 840 members of Independent Women’s Network, now joins a growing number of states advancing Independent Women’s Voluntary Portable Benefits framework and strengthening economic opportunity for independent workers across the country.
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