Leadership in the Georgia General Assembly has identified affordability as the main focus for the 2026 legislative session. Representative Todd Jones, a Republican from Cumming, is leading efforts to address rising costs for Georgians.
Since the pandemic, costs for essentials such as cars, homes, groceries, and healthcare have increased significantly. Independent contractors are among those most affected because they do not receive traditional employment benefits and must purchase them independently.
Jones is advocating for a voluntary portable benefits system. “Too many independent workers are forced to choose between flexibility and basic security. Voluntary portable benefits would change that equation,” said Jones. Portable benefits would be linked to workers rather than employers, allowing individuals to retain their benefits regardless of where they work.
“This legislation ensures Georgians can access affordable healthcare and essential benefits without giving up their independence, their livelihoods or the modern ways they work,” Jones stated. “It’s a common-sense update for the 21st-century workforce.” Under this proposal, companies could voluntarily contribute funds into accounts owned by independent contractors for purchasing chosen benefits.
Currently, Georgia law does not explicitly address whether companies can make such contributions without being classified as employers. Jones’ bill aims to clarify that these contributions do not establish an employer/employee relationship, which could encourage more companies to participate and help contractors afford needed benefits.
The growth of gig work has changed Georgia’s labor market. Over one million Georgians are self-employed in some capacity, with many relying entirely on gig jobs like driving for Uber or DoorDash. However, this flexibility does not come with health insurance or other traditional benefits; about 1.2 million Georgians remain uninsured. According to a Federal Reserve white paper, 28% of gig workers want health insurance coverage while another survey found that 80% of self-employed workers would like portable benefits.
A pilot program conducted by a gig company in Georgia showed promising results: nearly one-quarter of participating independent contractors opted into portable benefit accounts and used funds for various needs including vision care, dental care, health insurance premiums, retirement savings and paid time off.
Other states such as Utah, Tennessee and Alabama have already passed similar legislation supporting portable benefits systems for independent workers. These laws have benefited both workers and businesses by making it easier to attract talent through voluntary benefit contributions.
Jones describes his bill as “a win-win solution” that supports both businesses and workers while helping close the gap in health coverage across Georgia.
