When concerts resume in California, many musicians will have one less thing to worry about.
Industry groups and elected officials this month reached an agreement to amend Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), the controversial gig worker law, to exempt certain musicians and music professionals.
AB 5 was intended to protect worker’s rights by making it more difficult for so-called “gig economy” companies such as Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as independent contractors.
But the bill signed into law in September has for more than a year drawn criticism from independent musicians who say it increases their costs and limits their opportunities for work.
The amendments had been discussed before the onset of the novel coronavirus, but come at a time when widespread concert cancellations have exposed the lack of a safety net for freelance musicians.
If passed when the legislature resumes, the amendments will take effect January 1, 2021.
