Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act of...
To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to require that individuals who perform work for employers as independent contractors be treated as employees.
The Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act of 2026 aims to change how independent contractors are treated under several federal laws. The bill proposes to update the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act to include independent contractors under the same protections as employees. This would mean that independent contractors would have similar rights to those of employees when it comes to discrimination based on race, age, disability, and other factors.
This bill would affect a significant number of independent contractors who currently do not have the same protections as employees. If passed, independent contractors would gain legal protections against discrimination, ensuring they are treated fairly in the workplace. This could lead to more consistent employment practices and potentially better working conditions for independent contractors.
As of August 3, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The primary sponsor, Eleanor Norton, has made introductory remarks on the measure. The bill is in its early stages, and further steps will include committee review and potential amendments before any vote.
