Rep. Todd Jones Introduces “Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act” to Expand Benefits for Independent Workers

ATLANTA - State Representative Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth), chairman of the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, recently introduced House Bill 987, known as the "Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act," aimed at protecting worker freedom and expanding benefits for independent workers.

"Independent workers deserve flexibility, choice and access to benefits that fit the way they work," said Rep. Jones. "The Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act would empower contractors to voluntarily build portable benefits without threatening their independence, while ensuring transparency, consent and the ability to opt in or out at any time. This legislation strikes the right balance between innovation, worker freedom and responsible safeguards as our workforce continues to evolve."

HB 987 would authorize any person or entity, included but not limited to, an internet or app-based company, to voluntarily contribute funds to a portable benefits account for independent contractors. The bill would further allow such contributions to be made through compensation withholding only when expressly authorized in a clear, written agreement, voluntarily opted into by the independent contractor, prominently disclosed in the contract and with the ability for the contractor to opt out at any time.

The full text of HB 987 may be found here.

Representative Todd Jones represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Education, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health, Judiciary and Ways & Means committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.

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