The recently passed Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) has been a topic of great discussion and debate in the state of California. AB5 aims to classify certain types of workers as employees rather than independent contractors, which has significant implications for both companies and workers. While there has been a lot of talk about how AB5 will affect Californians, many people are wondering if the law will also apply to out-of-state contractors.

The short answer is that AB5 only applies to workers who are located within the state of California. However, there are some important nuances to consider when it comes to out-of-state contractors.

Firstly, if an out-of-state contractor is working on behalf of a California-based company, they may still be affected by AB5. This is because the law applies to companies that have a presence in California, regardless of where their employees or contractors are located. So, if a company is based in California but hires contractors from other states to perform work for them, those contractors may have to be classified as employees under AB5.

Secondly, AB5 is likely to have a ripple effect on other states and their own employment laws. California is often seen as a trendsetter when it comes to employment legislation, and other states may follow suit with their own laws that are similar to AB5. This means that even if an out-of-state contractor is not currently affected by AB5, they may have to deal with similar legislation in the future.

It`s also worth noting that AB5 has faced some legal challenges since it was first passed. In January 2020, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the law, stating that it may be unconstitutional. However, this injunction only applies to the trucking industry, and other industries are still subject to AB5.

In conclusion, while AB5 specifically targets workers within the state of California, out-of-state contractors may still be affected by the law if they work for a California-based company. Additionally, the impact of AB5 on other states and their employment laws is worth considering for anyone who works as an independent contractor. It`s important to stay informed about the development of AB5 and similar legislation in other states, as this could have a significant impact on the future of independent contracting across the country.