The Modern Worker Empowerment Act would change how federal law defines who qualifies as an "employee" under wage and hour protections. Specifically, the bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to align the legal definition of "employee" with traditional common law standards rather than the broader definitions currently used. This change would likely result in fewer workers being classified as employees, potentially affecting independent contractors, gig workers, and other non-traditional workers who might currently receive federal wage and hour protections. The bill does not include specific funding allocations or implementation timelines. The legislation was introduced by Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina on July 9, 2025, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for review.
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