Farm Labor Contracting Bonding Bill Advances to Appropriations
Published Friday, April 24, 2026
Assembly Bill 2227 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, advanced out of the Assembly Labor Committee on April 22 and has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill would significantly increase the cost of surety bonds required for California-licensed farm labor contractors and impose new default judgment provisions. Under AB 2227, contractors would have just 10 days to respond to a mailed demand from the labor commissioner for employee wage payments, raising concerns about the risk of missed notices and inadvertent default judgments.
Proponents argue the increased bond requirements are necessary to address delays in the state’s wage claim process. The bill would shift more responsibility to bonding companies to determine the validity of claims and facilitate payments rather than rely solely on the labor commissioner. The California Farm Bureau opposes AB 2227, citing increased costs, legal risks and concerns with shifting adjudication responsibilities to private entities.
Staff contact: Bryan Little, blittle@cfbf.com.
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