Freelance Worker Protection Act - Summary

• Requires written contracts for freelance workers earning $500 or more (individually or aggregated over 120 days), with minimum provisions including itemized services, compensation details, and payment deadlines of no later than 30 days after work completion.

• Mandates timely payment of contracted compensation amounts without reduction as a condition of payment, with contracting entities prohibited from threatening, intimidating, or penalizing freelance workers for exercising rights under the Act.

• Establishes Department of Labor complaint process allowing freelance workers to file violations within 2 years, with non-response creating a rebuttable presumption of violation; contracting entities must respond within 20 days of notice.

• Provides civil remedies including double damages for unpaid compensation, $500 statutory damages for contract violations, and statutory damages equal to contract value for retaliation, plus attorney's fees and costs.

• Authorizes Attorney General to investigate patterns and practices with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation or $10,000 for repeat violations within 5 years; Act takes effect July 1, 2024.