Senators Hear Pitch for Voluntary Portable‑benefits Accounts for Gig Workers; No Vote Taken

Senate committee members heard testimony supporting Senate Bill 235 on portable benefits for independent contractors and gig workers, but took no formal vote.

The bill would enable voluntary, bank‑based portable benefit accounts: instead of an employer giving a pay check directly to a worker, a hiring entity could, at the worker’s request, send some compensation directly to an account designated for health savings, retirement or other benefits. Senator Justin Boyd presented the measure and invited outside experts to explain how the change would operate.

Gabriella Hoffman of Independent Women Center for Economic Opportunity told the committee, “Independent Women Center for Economic Opportunity supports, Senate Bill 235, the…