West Virginia Bill Would Authorize Portable Benefits for Independent Contractors
On March 14, 2026, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill (House Bill (HB) 4009) to allow employers to contribute to a worker’s portable benefit account while still classifying that worker as an independent contractor. The bill is likely to be especially impactful for rideshare and food delivery companies that rely heavily on gig workers for app-based services. 0:00 4:27 Quick Hits West Virginia legislators passed a bill (HB 4009) that permits companies to provide portable benefit accounts for workers without needing to classify those workers as employees. Governor Patrick Morrisey has not signed or vetoed the bill yet. If enacted, the bill would take e ffect for taxable years starting on January 1, 2026, or later. Portable benefits are benefits that stay with the individual and accumulate based on hours worked or a percentage of transaction fees. They can function similar to a 401(k), paid time off program, or health savings account (HSA). Instead of benefits offered...