Bill > HB2711

This bill establishes the Emergency Benefits for Independent Contractors Program, which will provide unemployment benefits to gig workers during a state of emergency declared by the Governor. Independent contractors must register with the Employment Department and make quarterly payments into a dedicated fund to be eligible for up to 26 weeks of emergency benefits every four years. To qualify, an independent contractor must be unemployed due to the emergency, keep detailed work records, file reports with the Department of Revenue, and would have qualified for regular unemployment benefits if they were not an independent contractor. The program will become operational on January 1, 2027, and will be funded through quarterly payments from independent contractors, potential legislative appropriations, and recovered overpayments. The benefits will be similar to regular unemployment benefits, with the same eligibility conditions, payment amounts, and limitations, but with some specific adaptations for independent contractors. The bill creates a separate Emergency Benefits for Independent Contractors Fund in the State Treasury to manage and distribute these benefits, ensuring that payments are made only when funds are available.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2711