AB 2646 has cleared the California Legislature and was presented to the Governor on August 31. The Senate passed the measure on a 30–8 vote. 

AB 2646 would establish a California minimum hourly wage of $19.75 for H-2A workers and domestic workers in corresponding employment. The wage would be adjusted annually beginning January 1, 2027, based on the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. 

Western Growers signed on to a coalition letter urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill, and the Association remains strongly opposed to the measure.  

For additional background, see our earlier articles, AB 2646: Proposed H-2A Wage Mandate Advances to Senate and AB 2646: California’s Latest Attempt to Price Agriculture Out of California.