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HR 5367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Fascia and 3 co-sponsors

Rhode Island establishes commission to study benefits gaps for gig workers and self-employed individuals, potentially informing future worker protection policies.

02/12/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 5367

Legislative bill overview

HR 5367 proposes creating a special legislative commission in Rhode Island to study how gig economy workers (Uber, Lyft drivers) and self-employed individuals currently access or are denied traditional employer-provided benefits like health insurance, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, and retirement plans. The commission would examine the gaps and disparities in benefit coverage for this growing workforce segment.

Why is this important

Gig economy workers typically lack the safety net benefits that traditional employees receive, creating financial vulnerability during illness, injury, or job loss. As gig work becomes increasingly common, understanding these gaps could inform future policy decisions about worker protections, social safety nets, and whether benefits should be decoupled from traditional employment relationships.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation concerns: Expanding benefits access to gig workers could increase costs for employers, platforms, or government programs, raising questions about who bears financial responsibility
  • Classification debates: The study implicitly raises the contentious question of whether gig workers should be reclassified as employees rather than independent contractors, which platforms like Uber and Lyft strongly oppose
  • Business model viability: Gig economy companies argue that mandated benefits would fundamentally change their business model and pricing, while worker advocates argue companies profit from avoiding traditional employment obligations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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