Supporters of a bill designed to clamp down on wage theft for freelancers rally before a hearing Monday, New York City Hall, Feb. 29, 2016. Pictured before the podium, Councilman Ben Kallos and Freelancers Union chief Sara Horowitz.

Under the current proposal, New York City-based freelancers who are not paid on time would have rights to pursue back pay that are comparable to those of traditional employees. First, the bill would require anyone who hires an independent contractor for $200 or more to create a written contract specifying the kind of work to be done and the payment date. It would then require workers to be compensated within 30 days of the specified payment date, or of the contractor completing the service, whichever comes first.