At its annual Legal + Regulatory Conference, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) gathered bipartisan lawmakers, senior White House staff and legal experts. Conversations among these groups addressed the growing federal and state pressures that are intensifying surrounding independent work and the people who make their living as direct sellers.
“Policymakers need to hear directly from people who can explain why their independence as direct selling distributors works for their lives, why a traditional job structure doesn’t and how clear contractor rules give them the stability to build their business,” said Dave Grimaldi, DSA CEO.
Discussions focused on key federal issues, including the momentum of direct selling bill H.R. 3495 advancing through a House committee, FTC rulings and early signs of potential FDA scrutiny. There was also conversation about state-level legal movements, like California’s PAGA exposure, New Jersey’s ABC test, telemarketing regulation expansion in Texas and deferred mandates in Delaware’s HB 162.
“The legislators who joined us at the DSA Legal + Regulatory Conference – whether they sit on the Direct Selling Caucus, serve on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, or support H.R. 3495 – were unified on one point: direct sellers know exactly why they choose this channel,” Grimaldi said. “The misconception among some lawmakers that direct sellers don’t understand what they’re ‘missing’ as employees simply doesn’t reflect these workers’ experience. Our stories have to correct that in 2026.”
Some of the elected officials participating in this year’s conference included:
- Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-06) – Assistant Democratic Leader
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) – Member, Direct Selling Caucus
- Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) – Co-Chair, Direct Selling Caucus; Chairman, NRCC
- Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03) – Lead Sponsor, H.R. 3495
- Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) – Direct Selling Caucus; House Education & Workforce; Co-Sponsor, H.R. 3495
- Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) – Co-Chair, Direct Selling Caucus
- Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05) – Chairman, House Education & Workforce Committee
Florida State Representative Ryan Chamberlin (FL-24) who also leads Government Relations and Legislative Affairs for the Florida Direct Selling Coalition also addressed attendees.
Other speaker highlights included:
- Congressman Burgess Owens emphasized the importance of clarity in independent contractor status in order to empower younger generations with the freedom to decide between traditional careers and entrepreneurship or a combination of both.
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the co-founder of the bipartisan Problem Solver Caucus, reminded attendees that many of the stereotypes surrounding direct selling are not rooted in reality and encouraged leaders to look for opportunities for agreement and invest in relationships built on understanding.
- Karalee Geis, from the White House Office of Public Liaison, expressed a clear connection between the national economic priorities and the lived experiences of direct sellers. She was clear that direct sellers are a part of a broader economic story and that independent work isn’t a side conversation.
- Congressman Tim Walberg spoke candidly about H.R. 3495 and his championing of it over the years. He explained the power of this legislation and reminded listeners that direct sellers have been building businesses on their own terms long before the gig economy took shape.
- Rep. Kevin Kiley reflected on his experience in California with AB 5 and how it shaped his approach to independent contractor issues. Rep. Kiley was clear that he does not view H.R. 3495 as a partisan battle, but a problem to solve that could aid in granting freedom to hardworking independent business owners.
- Rep. Darren Soto shared real-world stories and practical realities facing independent earners, particularly young families seeking additional, flexible income.
- Congressman Richard Hudson, Co-Chair of the Direct Selling Caucus, reminded attendees that real stories shape outcomes. His own experience in direct selling has molded his understanding of how people build businesses and he highlighted the value of the Direct Selling Caucus to continue the momentum for legislation like H.R. 3495.
- Congressman Jim Clyburn shared reflections from his own personal history witnessing his mother building her own business as a door-to-door saleswoman and how her work, independence and commitment to entrepreneurship positively impacted his family and community.
“The caliber of attendees participating in this year’s conference reflects DSA’s tireless advocacy, education and outreach to elected officials on behalf of our channel,” said Andrew Schmidt, DSA Chairman and Region President – West Markets, Amway. “Dave Grimaldi and his team demonstrate an ongoing passion for and commitment to the success of direct sellers and the protection of their independent contractor status.”
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