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LD 655

An Act Establishing A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Brennan and 8 co-sponsors

Maine bill establishing minimum wage floor for agricultural workers failed to advance after committee approval, dying in legislative files May 2025.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#agriculturalworkers #compensation #minimumwage
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Bill Summary · LD 655

Legislative bill overview

LD 655 would establish a state-mandated minimum hourly wage specifically for agricultural workers in Maine, creating wage floor protections for this sector. The bill was introduced in early 2025 and received committee approval but ultimately died in legislative files without passage.

Why is this important

Agricultural workers have historically been excluded from federal minimum wage protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act, making state-level action significant for worker income security. Maine's agricultural sector relies on seasonal and immigrant labor, raising equity questions about wage standards and worker protections in a major economic sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural industry cost concerns: Farmers may argue that mandated wages increase operational costs during already-thin profit margins, potentially reducing hiring or farm competitiveness
  • Implementation complexity: Defining which workers qualify (seasonal vs. permanent, specific crop types) and enforcement mechanisms across dispersed rural worksites presents administrative challenges
  • Wage level specificity: Disagreement likely exists over what minimum constitutes "fair" compensation and whether it should differ from non-agricultural minimums based on cost-of-living regional variations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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