21st Century Worker Act
Sen. Lee Introduces 21st Century Worker Act to Redefine Independent Contractor Status
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
This bill would fundamentally reshape how gig workers are classified. Many gig workers who currently have ambiguous status would fall into the "elective classification" category and could choose to remain independent contractors — or opt into employee status with benefits. However, some gig workers who meet the "substantial economic relationship" test (30+ hours/week for one company) would be reclassified as mandatory employees, potentially gaining benefits but losing flexibility. The net effect depends heavily on each worker's individual arrangement.
“A service provider payee that does not meet either of the requirements of section 103 or section 104 is an elective classification service provider payee. Each elective classification service provider payee shall elect whether to be classified as an employee or an independent contractor in accordance with this section.”
Programs
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesCalls grow louder for Spanberger to veto gun control bills
In 'The Advocates' column, the report highlights Sen. Mike Lee's 21st Century Worker Act, which aims to settle uncertainty over worker classification. The bill would create a bright-line test to determine if a worker is an employee or a freelancer, providing flexibility for the gig economy.
New bill aims to clear up worker classification confusion
Sen. Mike Lee introduced the 21st Century Worker Act to replace the current patchwork of conflicting standards for determining independent contractor status. The bill provides a bright line test across federal labor and tax statutes to settle confusion while preserving worker flexibility.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
21st Century Worker Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.