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MaineLD 589132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Establish a State Minimum Hourly Wage for Agricultural Workers

Sponsored By: Rachel Talbot Ross (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

COMPENSATIONCOMPENSATION - WAGES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New minimum wage for farmworkers

Beginning January 1, 2026, agricultural employees must be paid at least $14.65 per hour. On January 1, 2027 and every January 1 after, the wage rises by the CPI‑W (Northeast) August‑over‑August percent, rounded to the nearest $0.05. The first adjustment uses August 2025 over August 2024. If the highest federal minimum goes above Maine’s rate, Maine’s farm wage matches it on the federal effective date and then keeps the annual CPI‑W increases.

Stronger enforcement of farmworker pay

Workers can recover unpaid minimum wages plus an equal amount as liquidated damages, and also get court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. After a written complaint, the Labor Department can inspect and copy payroll records, and keeps that information confidential. The Labor Department has exclusive authority to sue for unpaid wages on behalf of workers. Employers cannot use a contract to avoid this law. Employers that violate or retaliate face fines of $50 to $200 per violation. The Attorney General can ask a court to stop ongoing violations.

Clear pay slips and fee‑free pay

Employers must keep true records of hours and wages for at least 3 years. Each payday, workers get a statement with the pay‑period dates, hours, total pay, and deductions. If pay is sent by direct deposit, card, or another electronic transfer, workers can withdraw their full net pay once without a fee or choose a no‑cost payment method. If records are electronic, workers can view and print them for free.

Live‑in family members not covered

This law does not cover members of an employer’s family who live with and depend on the employer. These family members do not get the farmworker minimum wage protections.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Amy Roeder

    Democratic • House

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chip Curry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Peggy R. Rotundo

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Tipping

    Democratic • Senate

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Ryan Fecteau

    Democratic • House

  • Traci Gere

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 157

House vote • 6/3/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 74 • No: 72

House vote • 6/3/2025

Enactment

Yes: 74 • No: 73

Senate vote • 6/2/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 22 • No: 12

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 232

    6/10/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. RELEASED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. ROLL CALL NO. 292(Yeas 74 - Nays 73 - Absent 4 - Excused 0)HELD.

    6/3/2025House

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative ROEDER of Bangor, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 290(Yeas 74 - Nays 72 - Absent 5 - Excused 0)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-196) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-196). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  6. Reports READ On motion by Senator TIPPING of Penobscot The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 289 Yeas 22 - Nays 12 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-196) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-196) Sent down for concurrence

    6/2/2025Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  8. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on February 19, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    2/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-196), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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