What AB 2646 does
An act to add Section 1208 to the Labor Code, relating to employment, and making an appropriation therefor.
Existing law establishes a minimum wage for all industries and imposes criminal penalties for violation of these wage provisions. Existing law authorizes the Labor Commissioner to collect due and unpaid wages or benefits on behalf of workers. Under existing law, the commissioner acts as trustee and deposits collected wages and benefits into the Industrial Relations Unpaid Wage Fund, which is continuously appropriated for the purpose of remitting the collected wages or benefits.
This bill would require the minimum hourly wage for an approved agricultural employee and corresponding employee, as defined, to be $19.75 per hour. Commencing January 1, 2027, and each January thereafter, the bill would require the above-described minimum hourly wage to be adjusted by an amount equal to the cost-of-living adjustment for social security benefits, as specified. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. By increasing the revenue to the Industrial Relations Unpaid Wage Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, and expanding the purposes for which moneys in that fund may be used, the bill would make an appropriation.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Summary from the Legislative Counsel's Digest of the enrolled text, August 27, 2026. Read the full text on leginfo.
How it got here
Assemblymember Krell introduced AB 2646 on February 20, 2026. The text was amended 2 times, and heard in 6 committee hearings before its final floor votes.
- Assembly Floor, May 26, 2026: 58 ayes, 16 noes.
- Senate Floor, August 25, 2026: 30 ayes, 9 noes.
Committee votes along the way:
- Assembly Labor and Employment, April 22, 2026: Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations], 5-0.
- Assembly Appropriations, May 14, 2026: Do pass., 11-4.
- Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement, June 24, 2026: Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations], 4-1.
- Senate Appropriations, August 3, 2026: Placed on suspense file, 7-0.
- Senate Appropriations, August 13, 2026: Do pass, 4-2.
Who supports and opposes AB 2646
The Senate Floor Analyses analysis dated August 14, 2026 lists 6 organizations in support and 34 in opposition. When Assembly Labor and Employment first listed positions on April 20, 2026, the count was 1 in support and 29 opposed. By the Senate Floor Analyses analysis of August 14, 2026 it was 6 to 34.
In support: United Farm Workers (sponsor); California Department of Justice; California Federation of Labor Unions; California Professional Firefighters; California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation; Teamsters California.
Opposed: Agricultural Council of California; American Pistachio Growers; Association of California Egg Farmers; California Apple Commission; California Association of Nurseries; California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers; California Association of Winegrape Growers; California Blueberry Association; and 26 more.
Read the Senate Floor Analyses analysis.
What happens next
It reached the Governor's desk on August 31, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
The Governor can sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until the decision, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect. If signed, most provisions take effect January 1, and implementation moves to the agencies named in the bill.
What it means for agriculture organizations
Two decisions follow from a bill at this stage. The first is whether to weigh in with the Governor's office before the thirty-day window closes. The second is how to prepare for implementation if it becomes law: which agency writes the rules, when the comment period opens, and which obligations begin January 1.
The agriculture group at Capitol Axis handles that for agriculture clients.
Questions about AB 2646
What does AB 2646 do?
This bill would require the minimum hourly wage for an approved agricultural employee and corresponding employee, as defined, to be $19.75 per hour. Commencing January 1, 2027, and each January thereafter, the bill would require the above-described minimum hourly wage to be adjusted by an amount equal to the cost-of-living adjustment for social security benefits, as specified. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. By increasing the revenue to the Industrial Relations Unpaid Wage Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, and expanding the purpose
Has AB 2646 passed the California Legislature?
It reached the Governor's desk on August 31, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
Who supports and opposes AB 2646?
The Senate Floor Analyses analysis dated August 14, 2026 lists 6 organizations in support and 34 in opposition. Supporters include United Farm Workers (sponsor); California Department of Justice; California Federation of Labor Unions. Opponents include Agricultural Council of California; American Pistachio Growers; Association of California Egg Farmers.
What happens next with AB 2646?
The Governor can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until then, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect.