Modern Worker Empowerment Act

Summary

This bill specifies a legal standard for determining whether an individual is considered an independent contractor rather than an employee for the purposes of federal labor laws that address issues such as the federal minimum wage, overtime compensation, and collective bargaining. The rights and protections provided by these laws exclusively apply to employees. Under the bill, an individual is considered an independent contractor if (1) another individual or entity does not exercise significant control over the details of how the individual's work is performed, without regard to any control the other individual or entity may exercise over the final result of the work performed; and (2) while performing such work, the individual has opportunities and risks inherent with entrepreneurship (for example, the discretion to exercise professional judgment). The bill also sets forth factors that may not be used to determine whether an individual is an employee. Specifically, factors such as whether another individual or entity requires the individual to meet certain legal, health and safety, insurance, or performance requirements may not be used to make such a determination.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

House Committee on Education and Workforce · U.S. House of Representatives

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 4154Employee Rights ActRelated bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Feb 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431.

2. Feb 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431.

3. Feb 20, 2026

   Introduced

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431.

   U.S. House

4. Feb 20, 2026

   Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431.

5. Feb 20, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-505.

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.