House approves portable benefits framework for gig workers
A bill creating tax-advantaged benefit plans for independent contractors heads to the governor's desk after clearing the House.
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas House signed off on a novel approach to the gig economy Monday, concurring with Senate amendments to HB 2602 in a 101-21 vote. The legislation establishes a framework for "portable benefit plans" for independent contractors, allowing workers who move between apps or freelance jobs to maintain continuous benefits.
The measure, heavily backed by business groups and gig economy companies, allows for specific contributions to the plans and provides a subtraction modification for Kansas income tax purposes. The 21 dissenting votes reflected a coalition of labor-aligned Democrats concerned the bill codifies worker misclassification, alongside conservative tax hawks wary of creating new tax carve-outs.
By clearing the House on a motion to concur, the bill bypasses the conference committee process and heads directly to Gov. Laura Kelly's desk. If signed, Kansas would join a small but growing list of states attempting to legally define and support the independent contractor model without classifying those workers as traditional employees.
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