New York City employers might want to take a look at some new rules taking effect as a result of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, passed unanimously by the New York City Council last November.

A Gothamist report that appeared days after the law’s passage points out that it is the first law in the country to provide freelancer protections against nonpayment, and that “the legislation mandates that freelancers be paid in full for their work either by a date set forward in writing, or within 30 days of completing an assigned task. The law also aims to protect freelancers from employer retaliation, and can increase monetary consequences for employers who refuse to pay.”

The law, which took effect in May, is augmented by rules taking effect July 24 that, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, will result in increased scrutiny of independent contractor relationships. The rules, according to a New York City Department of Consumer Affairs notice, “clarify provisions in the law, establish requirements to implement and meet the goals of the law, and provide guidance to covered hiring parties and protected freelance workers.”