Senator Mike Lee introduced the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act in the U.S. Senate. This bill serves as the companion to H.R. 3495. Senator John Curtis joined as an original cosponsor. The measure aims to clarify the independent status of direct sellers under federal law. It follows House committee progress on the related legislation.
The bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act. It excludes direct sellers and qualified real estate agents from the definition of “employee.” These workers are defined under Section 3508(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The change aligns labor law with existing federal tax classifications. It creates clearer rules for companies and independent workers. The goal is to reduce lawsuits that threaten the independent contractor model.
Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association, praised the introduction. He noted that direct sellers need their voices heard in the Senate. Kim Drabik, Senior Vice President ofÂ
Corporate Affairs at Plexus Worldwide and chair of DSA’s Government Relations Committee, highlighted the value of consistent federal recognition. She said greater clarity helps sellers and companies build with more certainty.
Dave Grimaldi became DSA President and CEO in January 2025. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Government Relations at the Blockchain Association. Earlier roles included leading policy at the Interactive Advertising Bureau and opening Pandora’s Washington office. He worked on Capitol Hill as Senior Counsel to House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and as Chief of Staff to FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Grimaldi holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. He has long focused on evidence-based policy for flexible work models.
Kim Drabik has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit sectors. She joined Plexus in 2019, first building its government relations function and later leading corporate communications. In 2024 she became Vice President of Corporate Affairs. Before Plexus she held leadership roles at Amway, including Global Head of Industry and Shareholder Relations. She also serves on the board of the Direct Selling Education Foundation.
Plexus Worldwide is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tarl Robinson, Founder and Chairman, entered the business in 2008 when the company was small and struggling. His parents worked as full-time network marketing distributors, and he built his own distributor business in college. Alec Clark joined in 2011 as Chief Marketing Officer, became a co-owner in 2012, and was named President in 2016. Both men formally took the title of Founder in 2018. The company restructured as Plexus Worldwide LLC in 2013 and shifted focus toward gut health and wellness products.
Plexus specializes in science-backed gut health, weight management, nutrition, and skincare products. Flagship items include the Plexus Slim “Pink Drink,” Bio Cleanse, ProBio 5, and various microbiome-supporting systems. The company expanded from a single breast-health kit to more than 20 wellness products. It operates through independent Brand Ambassadors and ranks among the larger direct-selling firms. Plexus emphasizes flexible income opportunities while supporting consumer wellness goals.
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