Statutory protections for freelance workers have increased nationwide, with states and local governments continuing to pass legislation requiring written contracts and specific payment dates, and prohibiting discrimination and retaliation against freelance workers attempting to exercise their rights, including by amending state anti-discrimination laws to provide coverage for freelancers and other independent contractors. On November 22, 2023, New York became the second state – after Illinois – to adopt such statutory protections for freelance workers when Governor Kathy Hochul signed the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” (the “Act”). The Act, which takes effect on August 28, 2024, is similar to other recently passed freelance worker laws but differs in a few material respects of which companies should be aware. Learn more here.