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Minutes for HB2602 - Committee on Insurance
Short Title
Establishing requirements for a portable benefit plan for independent contractors, determining types of contributions to such plans and providing a subtraction modification for Kansas income tax purposes.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 9, 2026
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2602. This bill establishes the requirements for a portable benefit plan for independent contractors, determining types of contributions of such plans and providing a subtraction modification of Kansas Income tax purposes. A portable benefit plan provider is defined as the administrator of a portable benefit account, and may be a bank, investment management firm, technology provider or program manager that offers services through a bank or other entities that meet the requirements for administration.
Assistant Revisor Ma gave an overview of the Bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 4)
Proponents of the bill included:
- Representative Williams, 30th District noted HB2602 removes the legal uncertainty of portable benefit plans by making it clear that voluntary benefit contributions do not affect worker classification. Representative Williams stood for questions. (Attachment 5)
- Patrica Onwuka, Director for Economic Opportunity at Independent Women, disclosed that 220,000 Kansas earn income through independent work, valuing flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to shape their own careers, with access to benefits that help provide long-term stability. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 6)
- Tanner Tempel, Deputy Director-KS, Americans for Prosperity, outlined three major reasons for the support of this bill; it expands worker choice while preserving flexibility, reduces barriers to work, avoids costly mandates and regulation. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 7)
- Johnathan Wolfson, Visiting Fellow, Institute for American Worker applauds the legislation for clarifying the law and ensuring these kinds of beneficial arrangements are allowed and encouraged in Kansas. The conferee stood for questions. (Attachment 8)
Proponents providing written only testimony included:
- Liya Palagashvili, Labor Economist, Mercatus Center at George Mason University (Attachment 9)
- Justin Rice, Director of State Government Affairs, Libertas Institute (Attachment 10)
There were no neutrals or opponents present.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2602.
