Many freelance journalists, musicians, translators and other workers in California can operate as independent contractors under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 4.
California’s stringent ‘”ABC test”—which took effect on Jan. 1—makes it difficult for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors. Lawmakers aimed to provide workplace protections to more people by requiring businesses to reclassify many independent contractors as employees, who are entitled to a minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance and other benefits that are not generally provided to independent contractors.