Disappointment with the Veto of the Freelance Isn’t Free Law

On behalf of freelance visual artists, designers, and illustrators, the Graphic Artists Guild is extremely disappointed that New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed Freelance Isn’t Free legislation (S8369B / A2368A). The bill was passed by an overwhelming majority of the New York State legislature in June of this year. Governor Hochul’s veto, executed in the last hours before the holiday recess, is a discouraging conclusion to years of effort by advocates on behalf of freelancers.

The Freelance Isn’t Free bill was introduced by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Harry Bronson on February 17, 2022. The bill expanded protections provided by the New York City Freelance Isn’t Free legislation, passed in 2017, to workers across the entire state. These protections include consequences for hiring entities who do not pay or pay late their freelance workers, as well as for those who engage in retaliatory harassment of freelancers seeking payment. Since its passage five years ago, Freelance Isn’t Free legislation has recovered over $2 million in wages owed to New York City freelancers.

Read the full statement.