New Law Helps Independent Workers Access Employment Benefits

A new state law designed to make it easier for contract workers to access employment benefits got some high recognition Wednesday.  

“This is another step forward as we build a stronger economy and create more opportunity in West Virginia,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. “As more companies invest here and more people choose independent work, our laws should encourage opportunity instead of standing in the way.” 

Morrisey was in Elkins to ceremonially sign House Bill 4009, which went into effect June 12.  

He told a crowd gathered in Elkins that the new law makes it easier for companies to contribute to benefits packages for contract workers without changing their employment status. 

“A lot of times, there are a lot of good people who serve as independent contractors. They weren’t able to leverage some of the benefits. And that’s something that we thought was worthy of a change,” Morrisey said. 

Known as the Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act, the law creates a legal framework for companies to voluntarily contribute to portable benefit accounts. Independent contractors can use those funds for benefits normally only reserved for full-time employees, including health insurance, retirement, and disability.