The Graphic Artists Guild applauds the passage of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, S8369/A9368, in New York State. We extend our heartfelt thanks to New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who introduced the bill in February of this year. Because of their efforts,  freelancers and independent contracts will have much needed protections against non-payment, late payment, and retaliatory harassment when they seek to have their invoices paid.

Graphic Artists Guild President Liz DiFiore comments: “Legislative efforts like this keep inspiring hope for more positive change throughout the industry. Freelancers make up a huge portion of the economy and deserve to have their right to be compensated for their work protected. We applaud the combined efforts that have lead to this legislative progress and hope to see similar legislation across the country.”

Freelance Isn’t Free legislation was first passed in New York City in 2017. The state-wide legislation now extends these protections to all freelancers living or working in New York State: payment of invoices upon the contractually agreed-upon date or within 30 days, required written contracts, and the ability for freelancers to recoup up to double the invoiced amount for clients who do not meet these requirements.  With freelancers constituting 35% of the US workforce, and with over half our constituent working as freelancers/sole proprietors, the Guild is committed to seeing similar legislation passed nationwide, state-by-state.

The Guild worked with a coalition of creators organizations in advocating for this legislation: Freelancers Union, National Writers Union, Authors Guild, American  Photographic Artists, American Society of Media Photographers, and the National Press Photographers Association. We applaud our colleagues on a job well done, and look forward to working with them in the future.