S5026

The New York State Senate passed the Freelance Isn't Free Act (S5026) on a 43-15 vote, extending payment protections to the state's growing freelance workforce. Sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, the bill mandates written contracts for freelance workers, establishes a 30-day payment standard, prohibits clients from requiring reduced upfront payments with promises of later full payment, and bars retaliation against freelancers pursuing payment claims. Gounardes cited statistics showing more than one-third of the workforce comprises freelance or contract workers, with 71 percent reporting late or nonpayment and average annual losses of $6,000. Only 28 percent of freelancers consistently receive contracts or timely payment, he noted. The bill is modeled on a six-year-old New York City ordinance that has recovered millions for freelance workers. Fifteen senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, and Weber. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.