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

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

Show More