AB5 was intended to add clarity to independent contractor rules, but since its passing earlier this year, it has been the source of confusion and concern for orchestras, ensembles, and festivals of all sizes in California that pay some staff and musicians as independent contractors. Moreover, pending amendments (AB 1850 and AB 2257) to the original legislation exempts some musicians from AB5, but not those who perform with symphony orchestras, creating further uncertainties.

This panel (which was part of the 2020 ACSO Virtual Conference, original air date 8/7/2020) aims to provide information about AB5 and an update on its impact on the statewide arts and culture sector, answer questions about the recent proposed amendments and how they relate to musicians, explain some of the nuts and bolts of employee reclassification, and address some of the most common questions about compliance.

Thank you to our moderator Sarah Weber (Executive Director, ACSO), and fellow panelists John Acosta (President, American Federation of Musicians 47) and Julie Baker (Executive Director, Californians for the Arts). This panel was sponsored by Stephen Wilson.