An Act To Establish A State Minimum Hourly Wage For Agricultural Workers

LD 357 establishes a state minimum hourly wage of $14.65 for agricultural workers in Maine, effective January 1, 2026, with annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region. It requires agricultural employers to maintain detailed records of hours worked and wages paid for three years and to provide employees with itemized pay statements. Workers who aren't paid the minimum wage can recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages, attorney fees, and court costs. Employers who violate the law face fines of $50-$200, and cannot exempt themselves through special contracts. This applies to most agricultural workers as defined in Maine's employment laws, excluding family members living with the employer.