Bill > SB227

This bill creates the "Freelance isn't Free Act" to provide comprehensive protections for freelance workers in Georgia, establishing new legal requirements for hiring parties who engage independent contractors. The legislation defines a freelance worker as an individual or single-person organization providing services valued at $800 or more, and mandates that all contracts with such workers must be in writing and include specific details like names, addresses, service descriptions, compensation terms, and payment dates. The bill requires hiring parties to pay freelance workers either on the contract's specified date or within 30 days of service completion, and prohibits employers from threatening, intimidating, or discriminating against freelancers who exercise their rights under this law. Freelance workers are given the ability to file complaints with the Commissioner of Labor, who will investigate and facilitate resolution, and the law provides significant legal remedies including potential statutory damages, double damages, and attorneys' fees for workers who successfully prove violations. The bill also requires the Labor Department to conduct a public awareness campaign, collect data on freelance contract complaints, and submit periodic reports to the legislature about the law's effectiveness, with the goal of improving contracting and payment practices for independent workers across various industries.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70605