Stefanik proposes legislation to modernize labor standards

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on July 25 sponsored the Modern Worker Empowerment Act to update outdated labor laws.

“This legislation harmonizes the federal standard for independent work in order to capture the realities of the modern workforce, empowering workers to take greater control of their future,” Rep. Stefanik said on July 26.

The congresswoman introduced H.R. 4069 with U.S. Reps. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Bradley Byrne (R-AL) to “amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to harmonize the definition of employee with the common law,” according to the text of the bill.

“Technology has changed not only the nature of work but also what people value in their careers, as younger workers increasingly seek flexibility and fulfillment,” said Rep. Stefanik. “Our laws have not kept pace, creating a patchwork of regulations that limit opportunities for individuals to achieve economic success.”

If enacted, the bill would clarify that the employee-employer relationship should be determined by the common law test, bringing consistency across federal government and creating a level playing field for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses, according to a summary provided by Rep. Stefanik’s office.

H.R. 4069 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.