H-2A Minimum Wage Bill, Farm Labor Contractor Bonding Bill Pass Assembly
Published Friday, May 29, 2026
Assembly Bill 2646 by Assemblymember Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, would establish a $19.75 minimum wage for agricultural employees working in California under the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program and California residents performing the same work in the same county. Farm Bureau opposes the bill due to concerns that it would significantly increase labor costs for agricultural employers already facing some of the highest labor expenses in the nation. The bill passed the Assembly on May 26 by a vote of 58-16.
Assembly Bill 2227 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-Sacramento, would substantially increase the surety bond requirements for California-licensed farm labor contractors. Farm Bureau is concerned that the measure would significantly increase operating costs and create additional financial and administrative burdens for contractors that provide critical workforce services to agricultural employers. The bill passed the Assembly on May 27 by a vote of 51-20.
Both measures now move to the Senate. California Farm Bureau will continue working with legislators and coalition partners to oppose the bills and advocate for policies that support a stable and affordable agricultural workforce.
Staff contact: Bryan Little, blittle@cfbf.com.
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