Labor, Workplace Technology and Employer Healthcare Bills Move to Suspense Files
Published Friday, May 8, 2026
Several labor, workplace technology and employer healthcare-related measures opposed by California Farm Bureau were referred to legislative suspense files this week because of projected state costs and ongoing fiscal concerns.
Assembly Bill 2646, authored by Assemblymember Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, would establish a $19.75 minimum wage for certain agricultural employees, including H-2A temporary agricultural workers and corresponding workers employed in the same county. The bill passed the Assembly Labor Committee on April 22 and was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file May 5.
Also referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file was Assembly Bill 2227, authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael. The bill would significantly increase bonding requirements for licensed farm labor contractors and establish accelerated default judgment timelines tied to wage payment disputes. California Farm Bureau raised concerns that the shortened timelines could create legal and operational risks for contractors.
Assembly Appropriations Committee analyses identified both measures as carrying costs “in the low millions,” which may affect whether the bills advance amid the state’s projected budget deficit. California Farm Bureau opposes both bills.
Additional workplace technology measures also advanced to suspense files. Senate Bill 947, authored by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, would regulate certain automated decision-making systems used in workforce management. Senate Bill 951, authored by state Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-Colton, would expand California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requirements related to employment reductions associated with automation or technology deployment. Both bills were referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee suspense file May 4 because of projected costs.
Assembly Bill 2027, authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward, D-San Diego, was placed on the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file May 6. The bill would restrict employer use of worker data in ways California Farm Bureau argues could limit common technologies used to improve workplace efficiency, safety and labor law compliance.
Healthcare-related employer measures were also moved to suspense files this week. Assembly Bill 2729, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, would create the Employer Responsibility for Medi-Cal Trust Fund to help offset Medi-Cal costs through a potential employer funding mechanism. The bill was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file May 6.
Senate Bill 1284, authored by state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, would require public reporting of employers with 100 or more employees whose workers or dependents use Medi-Cal. California Farm Bureau raised concerns that the bill would not account for factors such as seasonal employment, probationary periods or existing employer-provided healthcare coverage. The measure was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee suspense file May 4. California Farm Bureau continues to engage with lawmakers and coalition partners as these measures move through the legislative process.
Staff contact: Bryan Little, blittle@cfbf.com.
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