Modern Worker Empowerment Act

Hozzl · 2026-03-06T19:06:18Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1319 Modern Worker Empowerment Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Labor and Employment. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/6/2026, 7:06 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1319

Bill 119 HR 1319, also known as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act to provide clarity on the definition of an employee. The bill seeks to establish a standard for determining whether an individual is considered an employee, which is crucial for determining their rights and protections in the workplace.

The PRO Act is designed to strengthen workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It also aims to protect workers from unfair labor practices and retaliation by employers. The bill includes provisions to make it easier for workers to join unions, address issues related to misclassification of employees as independent contractors, and enhance penalties for employers who violate labor laws.

Overall, the PRO Act is intended to level the playing field for workers and ensure that they have the ability to advocate for their rights in the workplace. The bill has garnered support from labor unions and worker advocacy groups, who see it as a critical step towards empowering workers and improving labor standards across the country.

Congressional Summary of HR 1319

This bill specifies a legal standard for determining whether an individual is considered an independent contractor rather than an employee for the purposes of federal labor laws that address issues such as the federal minimum wage, overtime compensation, and collective bargaining. The rights and protections provided by these laws exclusively apply to employees.

Under the bill, an individual is considered an independent contractor if (1) another individual or entity does not exercise significant control over the details of how the individual's work is performed, without regard to any control the other individual or entity may exercise over the final result of the work performed; and (2) while performing such work, the individual has opportunities and risks inherent with entrepreneurship (for example, the discretion to exercise professional judgment).

The bill also sets forth factors that may not be used to determine whether an individual is an employee. Specifically, factors such as whether another individual or entity requires the individual to meet certain legal, health and safety, insurance, or performance requirements may not be used to make such a determination.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1319

Bill HR 1319 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 13, 2025. Bill HR 1319 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 13, 2025. Bill HR 1319's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 431. as of February 20, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1319

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1319

Primary Policy Focus

Labor and Employment

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1319

To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act to clarify the standard for determining whether an individual is an employee, and for other purposes.

Comments

Abby Schwarz

806

1 month ago

I am deeply concerned about this bill and how it could impact workers like me. It seems like it could potentially strip away important protections and rights that we have fought for. How will this bill truly empower workers in the long run?

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1319

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