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HB 20

Minimum wage; farm laborers or farm employees, temporary foreign workers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 23 co-sponsors

HB 20 extends minimum wage protections to Virginia farm laborers and temporary foreign workers, passing the House 62-35 and now under Senate committee review.

Senate substitute agreed to by House (64-Y 35-N 0-A)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 20

Legislative bill overview

HB 20 modifies Virginia's minimum wage laws to include protections for farm laborers and temporary foreign workers. The bill has passed the House and is currently in the Senate's Committee on Commerce and Labor. The legislation addresses wage standards for agricultural workers, a sector historically exempted from some labor protections.

Why is this important

Agricultural workers represent a significant portion of Virginia's workforce and are often among the most economically vulnerable. This bill directly affects wages for farm employees and temporary workers on visa programs, potentially influencing labor costs for agricultural operations and worker compensation across the state. The fiscal impact statement indicates measurable economic consequences that warrant legislative consideration.

Potential points of contention

  • Farm industry burden: Agricultural employers may argue that applying standard minimum wage requirements increases operational costs and reduces competitiveness, particularly for smaller farms with thin profit margins
  • Temporary foreign worker implications: Clarifying minimum wage for visa-holding workers could affect agricultural employers' ability to hire temporary labor and may create administrative compliance complexity
  • Exemption history: Farmworkers have historically been exempted from certain labor protections; this bill represents a policy shift that some stakeholders may resist as government overreach into agricultural labor practices

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

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