The Alabama Legislature has passed an act to establish the Alabama Portable Benefits Task Force, which is aimed at studying the need for portable benefits for independent contractors, particularly app-based workers such as drivers and couriers. Recognizing that these workers provide essential services but may not have access to the same protections and benefits as traditional employees, the task force will explore the establishment of a benefits framework to provide income replacement, health and wellness benefits, and other benefits to eligible workers.

The task force will be composed of members appointed by various state officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, legislative leaders, and heads of relevant state departments, ensuring diversity in its membership. It will study the status of app-based and other independent contractors in Alabama, investigate how other states are providing benefits to such workers, and develop recommendations for potential legislation. The task force is required to hold its first meeting by September 1, 2024, and will provide a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than the third legislative day of each regular session, with its final report due during the 2026 Regular Session, after which it will be dissolved.