Georgia House approves portable-benefits bill after robust floor debate

The Georgia House passed House Bill 9-87 on Feb. 17, a measure to create voluntary portable-benefit accounts intended to give independent contractors and other nontraditional workers access to retirement savings, health-related accounts and other portable benefits. The clerk announced the final tally as yeas 109, nays 53.

Representative Todd Jones, who presented the bill on the floor, said the measure responds to shifts in the workforce and allows individuals to voluntarily opt into portable benefit plans so they can ‘‘account for their own health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, unemployment, etc.’’ Jones framed the legislation as an option for workers who move from job to job and who today often lack access to employer-provided benefits.

Opponents, led on the floor by Representative Lisa Campbell, criticized the bill as incomplete and cautioned that it could be used by employers to shield themselves from responsibilities, potentially accelerating the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. Campbell said the bill "sounds good, but it is really nothing more than a small cut in a series of ... fatal cuts" that could undermine labor protections.

Representative Dewey McClain expressed concerns that HB 9-87 is "not ready" and urged more work to ensure W-2 employees remain protected and that the measure would not incentivize conversion of employees into 1099 contractors.

Supporters countered that the bill offers new tools for workers who currently lack any portable benefits and that program details (including voluntary participation and tax treatment) will be refined through the legislative process and implementing rules. Several members expressed support while also urging further improvements.

The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by roll call (yeas 109, nays 53). The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.