ILLINOIS, July 9 - New law provides protections for independent contractors in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - The Freelance Worker Protection Act, which provides protections for independent contractors who create products or services in Illinois or who work for a hiring entity located in Illinois, took effect on July 1st.

Under the law, freelance workers are entitled to the following when the value of their work is equal to or greater than $500 in a 120-day period:

• A written contract outlining the products and services to be provided, the dates by which services are to be performed, and the rate and method of compensation (sample available online)
• Full payment for the services by the due date in the contract, or if the due date is not specified, within 30 days of completing the services outlined in the contract
• Protection from retaliation and/or other negative action for exercising rights under the FWPA

"The Freelance Worker Protection Act establishes a framework of understandable and transparent expectations for independent workers in Illinois, to better protect their work, and compensation," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan.

"Freelance workers, like all workers, deserve to have basic protections like timely pay and the right to a written contract," said State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "Many freelancers say they live check to check; these protections ensure there are clear expectations for the workers and hiring entities."