Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act
Congress proposes excluding direct sellers and many real estate agents from federal employee rules
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress would say direct sellers and certain real estate agents are not “employees” under federal wage-and-hour law.
- That would generally treat these workers more like independent contractors for things like minimum wage and overtime rules.
- It targets people paid mostly through commissions or sales, like many real estate agents and direct sales sellers.
- If passed, it could reduce pay-and-hour lawsuits and change how some companies structure contracts and work rules.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 420.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-494.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 16.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
DSA Advocacy Drives Historic Committee Vote: H.R. 3495 Advances as Entrepreneurs Rally on Capitol Hill
Direct Selling Association says the House Education and Workforce Committee advanced H.R. 3495, which would exclude direct sellers and qualified real estate agents from “employee” status under the FLSA.
DSA Successfully Lobbies Congress and White House to Clarify Independent Contractor Status for Direct Sellers
Trade publication recap of the committee action on H.R. 3495 and the bill’s effect on treating direct sellers and real estate agents as independent contractors under federal wage-and-hour law.
DSA Hosts Legal + Regulatory Conference
Conference preview noting H.R. 3495’s committee advancement and framing the bill as central to the direct selling industry’s legal/regulatory priorities.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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