On September 24, 2024, the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) submitted a letter to the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom in strong support of California State Senate Bill 988 “Freelance Worker Protection Act” (SB-988).
- Track SB-988 (California Legislative Information)
- Track SB-988 (CalMatters)
- Read press coverage of SB-988 (CBS News Bay Area, February 1, 2024)
NASW joins the National Writers Union, The Authors Guild, American Photographic Artists, National Press Photographers Association, and other media organizations in support of the legislation, authored by California State Senator Scott Wiener.
In 2022, NASW submitted a letter of support for New York's "Freelance Isn’t Free Act" (New York State Senate Bill 8369 and State Assembly Bill 9368).
UPDATE: SB-988 has been signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and chaptered. NASW looks forward to its successful implementation and enforcement, addressing critical gaps in labor protections for freelance writers and other independent contractors: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/28/governor-newsom-issues-legislative-update-9-28-24/
September 25, 2024
Dear Governor Newsom,
On behalf of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), we are writing to express our strong support for SB-988, the Freelance Worker Protection Act. As a professional society, we represent more than 2,400 writers across the country, nearly 900 of which are freelance workers. SB-988 is important legislation that will significantly enhance the rights and well-being of freelancers across California, including 116 NASW members in the Golden State whose freelance work contributes immensely to the state’s cultural and economic landscape.
The Freelance Worker Protection Act addresses critical gaps in labor protections for independent contractors, who have long been vulnerable to unfair treatment and wage theft. This legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will provide freelancers who provide professional services for $250 or more over four months with essential safeguards, such as written contracts, payment within 30 days, and protection against retaliation. Many freelance writers are so-called “permalancers,” working with the same clients over multiple years — so the bill’s stipulation that businesses must retain contracts for four years will further safeguard freelancers’ rights. We are also heartened to see that the bill lays out a way to enforce these new protections by allowing freelancers or public prosecutors to bring civil actions with potential remedies including damages and attorney’s fees.
Governor Newsom, your support for SB-988 would reaffirm California’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining its position as a leader in progressive labor policies. Freelancers in other states are looking to this bill as a potential model for legislative protections across the country.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to seeing SB-988 become law and would be happy to support its implementation in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Willyard
President
National Association of Science Writers
president@nasw.org
To reach the NASW Board, email president@nasw.org
We thank NASW board members Jane C. Hu and Ramin Skibba for leading the original draft of this statement.
Founded in 1934 with a mission to fight for the free flow of science news, NASW is an organization of ~2,400 professional journalists, authors, editors, producers, public information officers, students and people who write and produce material intended to inform the public about science, health, engineering, and technology. To learn more, visit www.nasw.org and follow NASW on LinkedIn and Bluesky. And join us in celebrating #NASW90th.
