The San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists wants to make sure our members are aware of information available about AB 5, the law authored by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez that potentially impacts media outlets that work with freelance journalists. It took effect Jan. 1.

The state’s Labor & Workforce Development Agency has created a web portal that includes FAQs on AB 5, as well as information for both employers and workers. And the Employment Development Department is holding a series of “employment status” seminars to address questions about worker classification under AB 5. The seminars are geared toward employers, but freelancers are welcome to attend. Also, Gonzalez’s office has put together a fact sheet for freelancers and employers.

Finally, Gonzalez announced recently that she plans to introduce a bill in the coming weeks that will clarify AB 5’s business-to-business exemption and address concerns from independent contractors working in the fields of music and photography. We hope the bill will also raise the 35-submission cap for freelance journalists, and we will continue to work with Gonzalez’s office to ensure freelancers’ interests are represented in that amendment process.