ME LD589

Establishes a minimum hourly wage of $14.65 for agricultural workers beginning January 1, 2026, with annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region

Applies to individuals performing agricultural labor, excluding family members of the employer who reside with and are dependent upon the employer

Requires employers to maintain wage and hour records for at least 3 years and provide itemized pay statements to employees with each payment

Employees owed unpaid wages may recover double damages (unpaid wages plus an equal amount as liquidated damages), attorney's fees, and court costs

Employers violating the law face fines of $50-$200, and the Attorney General may seek court injunctions to stop ongoing violations