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The Freelance Worker Protection Act in House Bill 1122 requires
written contracts for workers and several requirements on
payment.
“We know that it is an increasingly growing sector of our labor
market and we want to make sure that people who are doing
freelance work have the same basic protections that other
workers do as well,” state Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, said.
The legislation would authorize the Illinois Attorney General to
get involved if someone is believed to have violated any
provisions of the bill.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, said the measure is an
overreach and another example of government interference.
“For some reason, we believe we have to tell everyone in this
state how they have to operate in every situation,” Ugaste said.
“It's not helpful, it’s going to be harmful, and the only people
who might benefit are some lawyers who want to sue because
someone is in violation of some type of agreement.”
Guzzardi noted that business groups who opposed the bill
eventually removed their opposition.
The construction industry is not covered by the legislation.
The bill passed by a 68-38 vote and is now in the Senate for
consideration.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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