ME LD655

Establishes a $14.65 per hour minimum wage for agricultural workers beginning January 1, 2026, with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting January 1, 2027 based on the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region

Exempts family members of the employer who reside with and are dependent upon the employer from the minimum wage requirement

Requires employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for at least 3 years, and to provide itemized pay statements to employees

Employers violating the law face fines of $50 to $200; employees can recover unpaid wages plus an equal amount in liquidated damages, with the Department of Labor having exclusive authority to bring wage claims

Prohibits employers from contracting around or otherwise circumventing the minimum wage requirements