Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Portable Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs voluntary portable benefits program for independent contractors
Summary
Lawmakers advanced House Bill 301, which would allow hiring parties and contractors to negotiate deposits into a portable benefits account for approved benefits; supporters said it is voluntary and does not change the independent-contractor definition, while some labor advocates urged added safeguards.
Representative Wible told the committee that House Bill 301 establishes a voluntary portable benefits program that allows hiring parties and independent contractors to negotiate deposits into a qualified account to fund approved benefits such as health or retirement.
Supporters, including Jim Patterson of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, said the bill includes an express provision clarifying it does not affect workers' compensation or employment-security law. Patterson said the measure is intended to help independent contractors who want a path to portable benefits without altering existing labor-law classifications.
Opponents, including attorneys for injured workers and labor representatives, asked for a clearer statutory exclusion from workers' compensation and cautioned against enabling misclassification. Representative Wible said the bill is voluntary and aimed at giving contractors more options for benefits.
The committee reported HB 301 favorably by unanimous consent after discussion and offered participants an opportunity to continue negotiating language before floor consideration.
