Bill
Bill > HB2548
OR HB2548
Relating to labor standards for agricultural workers; declaring an emergency.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
04/15/2025
04/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act creates laws about a labor standards board for agricultural workers. The Act would prohibit employers from firing such workers without cause. The Act takes effect when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Establishes the Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. Prescribes the duties of the board. Directs the board to establish minimum working standards for agricultural workers. Provides remedies for agricultural workers alleging a violation of the minimum standards established by the board. Requires the board to conduct an biennial comprehensive review to determine whether to adopt new minimum standards or revise existing standards. Directs the board to establish uniform training requirements for agricultural workers, supervisory and nonsupervisory employees and establish a process by rule for certifying worker organizations to provide the training to agricultural workers. Requires the board to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly summarizing the results of the comprehensive review and any actions taken by the board in the prior year. Prohibits employers from terminating an agricultural worker unless the termination is for cause. Sets forth the conditions that must be satisfied in order to determine the existence of cause. Pro- vides remedies for agricultural workers alleging a retaliation or a violation of the for cause stand- ard. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
AI Summary
This bill establishes an Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board within the Bureau of Labor and Industries to create and enforce minimum working standards for agricultural workers. The nine-member board, appointed by the Governor, will include representatives from agricultural workers, employers, and a public health and safety expert, with a mission to protect the health and welfare of agricultural workers. The board will develop comprehensive standards covering compensation (ensuring at least minimum wage), working conditions, rest breaks, training, workplace health and safety, and paid benefits. Employers will be prohibited from terminating agricultural workers without "cause," which requires a fair and objective investigation, consistent application of performance expectations, and a progressive disciplinary system. The bill includes strong worker protections, such as preventing retaliation for exercising rights, mandating annual training in workers' rights, and allowing workers to file complaints or civil actions for violations. The board will conduct biennial reviews of standards, hold public hearings, and submit annual reports to the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, the bill provides mechanisms for workers to seek remedies, including potential reinstatement, compensatory damages, and attorney fees if they successfully challenge improper termination. The bill takes effect immediately, reflecting its urgency in addressing agricultural worker protections.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (14)
Lesly Muñoz (D)*,
Travis Nelson (D)*,
Andrea Valderrama (D)*,
Tom Andersen (D),
Willy Chotzen (D),
Lisa Fragala (D),
Mark Gamba (D),
Zach Hudson (D),
Kayse Jama (D),
Rob Nosse (D),
Deb Patterson (D),
Katherine Pham (D),
Kathleen Taylor (D),
Thuy Tran (D),
Last Action
Public Hearing held. (on 05/29/2025)
Official Document
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