Eleanor Norton (D-DC)
Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E775)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act of 2026," seeks to change how certain workers are classified under existing laws. It aims to amend several major acts, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The primary goal is to require that individuals performing work as independent contractors be treated as employees. This change would apply to various protections regarding discrimination and labor standards.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +8
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
Expands the scope of disability protections to include those working under independent contracts.
- Scored +8
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The bill extends protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act to independent contractors.
- Scored +7
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Provides expanded age discrimination protections for older individuals working as independent contractors.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
May increase costs and administrative burdens by requiring independent contractors to be treated as employees.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Civil Rights Protections: By amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, individuals working under independent contracts would be treated as employees (Section 2(a)).
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Age Discrimination Protections: The bill amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to include those providing work under independent contracts as employees (Section 2(b)).
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Labor Standard Protections: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the definition of "employee" would be expanded to include individuals performing work under independent contracts (Section 2(c)).
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Disability Protections: The amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 would treat independent contractors as employees (Section 2(d)).
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Rehabilitation Protections: The bill amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to include those providing work under independent contracts as applicants for employment (Section 2(e)).
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Genetic Information Protections: The amendment to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 would include individuals providing work under an independent contract in its protections (Section 2(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not list any specific negative consequences or burdens resulting from the proposed amendments.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Expands the scope of disability protections to include those working under independent contracts. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Provides expanded age discrimination protections for older individuals working as independent contractors. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increases labor protections and potential wage security for those performing contract work. Would union members be better off under this? — Increases employee-like protections for a group traditionally represented by labor standards. Would business owners be better off under this? — May increase costs and administrative burdens by requiring independent contractors to be treated as employees.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill extends protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act to independent contractors.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this raise the lowest wage an employer may pay? — By reclassifying independent contractors as employees, they gain access to minimum wage protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal labor and civil rights protections by reclassifying independent contractors as employees.
- 8/6/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E775)
- 8/3/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E766)
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.