WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 357

An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Bennett and 3 co-sponsors

LD 357 - An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers OverviewBill Number: LD 357 Title: An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultur

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#agriculturalworkers #compensation #minimumwage
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 357

LD 357 - An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers

Overview

Bill Number: LD 357
Title: An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers
Status: Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
Introduced: January 30, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of LD 357 is to establish a state-level minimum hourly wage for agricultural workers in order to improve their economic conditions and ensure a living wage. The bill's sponsors argue that agricultural workers, who are essential to the state's economy, have historically been excluded from minimum wage protections and deserve the same basic labor standards as other workers.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a state minimum hourly wage of $15.00 for all agricultural workers, including those involved in the production, harvesting, and processing of agricultural commodities.
  • Requires employers to pay agricultural workers at least the state minimum wage, regardless of any federal or other state minimum wage laws.
  • Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments to the agricultural minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index.
  • Grants the state Department of Labor authority to enforce the agricultural minimum wage and investigate potential violations.
  • Allows agricultural workers to file complaints and seek civil penalties against employers who fail to pay the required minimum wage.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The bill would directly impact all agricultural employers and workers in the state. Proponents argue it would raise incomes and improve living standards for thousands of low-wage agricultural laborers, many of whom are immigrants and minorities. However, agricultural industry groups have expressed concerns that the higher labor costs could reduce profitability and competitiveness for farms and food processors.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LD 357 was introduced in the state legislature on January 30, 2025 but did not advance past the committee stage. Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3, the bill was placed in the legislative files, effectively killing it for the current session. The bill's supporters may choose to reintroduce similar legislation in a future session, but its ultimate fate remains uncertain.

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

Sign in to ask a question.