California: Another New Bill Seeks to Clarify Employment Status of Cam Models

California: Another New Bill Seeks to Clarify Employment Status of Cam Models

LOS ANGELES — California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, author of the controversial AB5 bill which uses new standards to classify California workers as either employees or independent contractors, is working on a new bill, AB1850, which is expected to include language that would clarify the employment status of adult industry performers, such as cam models, who utilize video streaming platforms.

The AB5 standards, known as the ABC Test and the Borello Test, have caused confusion among California-based adult webcam models as to whether AB5 would reclassify them as employees.

Recently, Adult Performers Actors Guild (APAG) President Alana Evans met with Assemblywoman Gonzalez in an attempt to clarify the bill's language.

The legislator's office is working to create "professional exemptions" for a field that includes content distribution providers such as iStock and Getty Images, explained Evans in a statement following that meeting.

"Because these platforms are used to distribute the content created by individuals, they do not fall under AB5 jurisdiction. When we asked if this would also pertain to [adult] content websites such as Onlyfans, Clips4Sale, and such, we were informed this would be correct. We were pleased to confirm this."

However, a follow-up statement issued to XBIZ from the office of Assemblywoman Gonzalez was vague.

"We are still in the early stages of conversations with a variety of stakeholders," spokesperson Samantha Gallegos said. "We expect to address the issue of hosting platforms in this legislation, but at this time, no amendments have been finalized."

Enter AB2389

Last week, California Assemblywoman Christina Garcia introduced Bill AB2389, which was written with APAG's mother union, the International Entertainment Adult Union (IEAU). AB2389 specifically classified all adult workers as employees under AB5. Assemblywoman Gonzalez attached her name to the bill. 

As reported by XBIZ, several adult industry organizations, including APAG and the Free Speech Coalition, vocally criticized AB2389. Eventually, Gonzalez announced she would pull her name from the legislation, and IEAU issued a formal apology for its participation in its drafting.

Gonzalez's office has clarified its position on how the new AB1850 would affect streaming platforms.

"We are continuing to work on clarifications [to AB5] through AB1850 this year," Gallegos told XBIZ. "We have not confirmed any language on webcam performers, as we are in the early stages of conversations with stakeholders. But we have talked about clarifying language for platforms that stream videos. We expect for the bill to address the issues of hosting platforms."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

New Pleasure Product Review Site 'ToyChats' Launches

ToyChats.com, a pleasure product review and discussion site, has officially launched.

AEBN Reveals Jade Venus as Top Trans Star for Q1 of 2025

AEBN has named its top trans stars for the first quarter of 2025, with Jade Venus landing atop the leaderboard.

SexLikeReal Debuts 'AI Passthrough' Feature

SexLikeReal has introduced an AI Passthrough for video editing during VR livestreaming.

Ron Jeremy's Accusers Reach Settlement With Rainbow Bar & Grill

The Rainbow Bar & Grill has reached confidential settlements with a group of women who filed a negligence lawsuit against the Sunset Strip restaurant over alleged sexual assaults committed by Ron Jeremy, according to Rolling Stone.

Cherry Kiss, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q1 of 2025

AEBN has announced its top-selling stars for the first quarter of 2025, with Cherry Kiss landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Sportsheets Joins FSC as Gold Member

Sportsheets has joined Free Speech Coalition (FSC) as a Gold-level member.

Age Verification Watch: Two End Runs, Two Failed Bills

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

FSC Helps Defeat Colorado AV Bill

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced that, with its help, Colorado's recently introduced age verification bill has been defeated.

Show More