Condotta legislation to simplify independent contractor classification receives hearing
Condotta legislation to simplify independent contractor classification receives hearing
In an effort to simplify the classification of independent contractors, Rep. Cary Condotta has introduced House Bill 2147, which received a public hearing in the House Labor and Workforce Development Committee Tuesday, Jan. 21.
“In attempts to address the underground economy we have seen a number of proposals the last few years that do nothing to address the misclassification issue and would actually punish the contractors and employers who are already abiding by the law. There needs to be some middle ground between the stakeholder groups,” said Condotta, R-East Wenatchee. “My bill proposes a new approach similar to a program being used in the state of Montana. It provides more consistency under independent contractor guidelines, streamlines the test and is voluntary.”
Under House Bill 2147 the Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) is not limited to construction and would apply to all industries. An individual working under an ICEC would be presumed to be an independent contractor and the certificate would remain in effect for two years and renewable thereafter.
Condotta said he is open to working with stakeholder groups to reach consensus on the bill and move it forward.
“I have heard from a number of independent contractors. If anything, more rules and regulations will push these people underground instead of flushing out the bad apples of the underground economy. It is getting harder and harder for the contractors who are doing it the right way to be able to stay in compliance as we pile more regulations and paperwork on them,” said Condotta, a small business owner for over 30 years.
The committee did not take action on the legislation, known as the Independent Contractor Certification Act. The cutoff date for committees to take action on policy bills is Feb. 7.
