New proposed legislation would make it easier for independent workers, such as independent contractors and temporary workers, to receive benefits such as healthcare and life insurance, according to the US senators who proposed the act.

The bipartisan “Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act” aims to increase accessibility to healthcare, retirement savings, workers’ compensation, life and disability insurance, sick leave, training, and more, according to the release. It would also provide $20 million in grants to states to support portable benefits program innovation. 

“Each year more and more Americans engage in part-time, contract or other alternative work arrangements to support themselves and their families,” said US Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, in a press release. “But despite these shifts, our retirement and savings programs aren’t keeping up to help these workers. This program will encourage experimentation at the state and local levels to support the realities of a 21st century workforce.” 

Warner joined Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, and Todd Young, R-Indiana, in introducing the bill last week. 

“Independent workers make up a growing percentage of our workforce, yet they are often not eligible for many benefits typically offered by employers. North Dakotans in non-traditional work arrangements deserve access to the same benefits as the rest of the working public,” Cramer said in the statement. “These pilot programs encourage state and local governments to provide portable benefits and give independent contractors additional financial stability.”