New Jersey bill envisions portable benefits for gig economy workers

A New Jersey bill that would establish a system of portable benefits, including workers compensation, for gig economy workers has been approved in two committees of the New Jersey General Assembly.

Assembly Bill 4705, sponsored by assembly member Troy Singleton, D-Burlington, was approved in both the labor and appropriations committees this month. Next the bill will be voted on the assembly floor, which could take place in the fall. 

Under A.B. 4705, “contracting agents” or gig economy companies that have at least 50 workers are required to contribute 25% of the total fee collected from the consumer for each transaction of services provided, or $6 an hour toward benefits for workers, according to the bill text.