Bi-Partisan Lawmakers Underscore Direct Seller Independence at 2025 DSA Legal + Regulatory Conference

Federal and State Officials Highlight Growing Momentum Behind Policies that Protect Independent Work

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Direct Selling Association (DSA) convened its annual Legal + Regulatory Conference this week, bringing together bipartisan lawmakers, senior White House staff, and leading legal experts for discussions on the mounting federal and state pressures on independent work during this year's conference.

Karalee Geiss of the White House Office of Public Liaison joined a slate of national and state leaders who met with executives from DSA member companies to discuss the administration's focus on the modern labor landscape and the growing relevance of direct selling in today's economy.

"The legislators who joined us at the DSA Legal + Regulatory Conference - whether they sit on the Direct Selling Caucus, serve on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, or support H.R. 3495 - were unified on one point: direct sellers know exactly why they choose this channel," said Dave Grimaldi, CEO, DSA. "The misconception among some lawmakers that direct sellers don't understand what they're 'missing' as employees simply doesn't reflect these workers' experience. Our stories have to correct that in 2026."

Key federal issues discussed included the momentum resulting from H.R. 3495, the first direct selling-specific bill in more than four decades to advance through a House committee; sweeping FTC rulemakings; and early signs of potential FDA scrutiny. State-level focus was on California's PAGA exposure, New Jersey's ABC test, deferred mandates in Delaware's HB 162, and telemarketing regulation expansion in Texas' SB 140.

"Policymakers need to hear directly from people who can explain why their independence as direct selling distributors works for their lives, why a traditional job structure doesn't, and how clear contractor rules give them the stability to build their business," Grimaldi continued.

"The caliber of attendees participating in this year's conference reflects DSA's tireless advocacy, education and outreach to elected officials on behalf of our channel," said Andrew Schmidt, DSA Chairman and Region President - West Markets, Amway. "Dave Grimaldi and his team demonstrate an ongoing passion for and commitment to the success of direct sellers and the protection of their independent contractor status."

Elected officials participating in this year's program and voicing their support for the channel included:

Members of Congress included:

• Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-06) - Assistant Democratic Leader
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) - Member, Direct Selling Caucus
• Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) - Co-Chair, Direct Selling Caucus; Chairman, NRCC
• Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03) - Lead Sponsor, H.R. 3495
• Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) - Direct Selling Caucus; House Education & Workforce; Co-Sponsor, H.R. 3495
• Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) - Co-Chair, Direct Selling Caucus
• Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05) - Chairman, House Education & Workforce Committee

Florida State Representative Ryan Chamberlin (FL-24) who also leads Government Relations and Legislative Affairs for the Florida Direct Selling Coalition also addressed attendees.

The 2025 DSA Legal + Regulatory Conference was supported by premier sponsor Winston & Strawn LLP, with additional sponsorship from FieldWatch, IntegriShield, Multibrain, Foley & Lardner LLP, Venable LLP, and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

About the Direct Selling Association (DSA)

We are the collective voice of the visionaries, entrepreneurs, trailblazing women, and innovators comprising the most powerful, people-driven distribution channel in the world. Our mission is to advance a policy and regulatory environment that embraces innovation, protects consumers, and empowers entrepreneurs across America and the globe to build businesses on their own terms.

For more information, visit www.dsa.org