Bill > LD655

This bill establishes a state minimum hourly wage specifically for agricultural workers in Maine, setting the initial wage at $14.65 per hour starting January 1, 2026. The bill defines key terms such as "employ" (to suffer or permit to work), "employee" (an individual performing agricultural labor, with family members living with and dependent on the employer exempted), and "employer" (any person or entity engaging agricultural workers). The minimum wage will be annually adjusted on January 1st based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region, with increases rounded to the nearest 5 cents. Employers are required to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for at least three years, and must provide employees with detailed wage statements. The bill provides remedies for employees, including the ability to recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages, and establishes penalties for employers who violate the law, including fines between $50 and $200 and potential injunctions. The legislation also explicitly prohibits employers from avoiding these requirements through special contracts or other means, ensuring comprehensive protection for agricultural workers.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=655&snum=132