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Senate advances independent-contractor bill after amendment bid is tabled, later passes 35–2
Summary
Senators debated amendments to S2782, which seeks exemptions for certain licensed professionals from updated Department of Labor independent-contractor rules; an attempt to send the bill back for amendment was tabled (24–12) but the bill later passed on final vote, 35–2.
The Senate spent significant floor time on Senate Bill S2782, a measure to clarify independent-contractor status for certain licensed or regulated professionals. Senator Cioppesi offered an amendment and argued the matter speaks to a broader problem with the Department of Labor’s independent-contractor regulations, saying lawmakers should “fix the regulations that have bipartisan concerns” rather than repeatedly carving out exemptions.
Cioppesi moved to place S2782 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment. A motion to table that request succeeded by voice-to-roll tally, with the presiding officer announcing the motion was tabled 24–12. Later in the session, following extended debate, the Senate voted on the bill itself and the presiding officer announced the bill passed 35–2.
Senator Testa, during the floor debate, described the independent-contractor system as “severely broken,” saying the current framework has produced uncertainty for workers and businesses and noting long committee sessions on the topic since 2019. Senator Singer warned that the Department of Labor changes could “virtually put [independent insurance brokers and similar small contractors] out of business,” urging colleagues to consider the potential harm to small businesses.
Senator Cioppesi framed his amendment as defending workers who choose independent work, arguing that repeated exceptions are a sign the underlying regulatory approach needs fixing. Opponents and proponents framed the debate as a balance between protecting worker classification and preserving small-business flexibility.
The record votes on the floor reflect the chamber’s ultimate decision to pass S2782. The bill’s passage indicates the Legislature has chosen a statutory approach to alter how certain licensed or regulated professionals are treated under state precedent and regulatory interpretation; the text and any attached amendments will determine which professions and circumstances are affected.
The Senate’s action on S2782 follows a broader pattern in the session of addressing workforce classification and regulatory impact on small businesses. The presiding officer directed the secretary to record votes for the official journal; the recorded totals announced on the floor were 35 affirmative, 2 negative when the bill was declared passed.
