Committee advances bill to remove farmworker exemption from Virginia minimum wage

A subcommittee moved HB 20, sponsored by Delegate McClure, to remove the longstanding farmworker and temporary foreign worker exemptions from Virginia's minimum wage law.

Supporters, including worker‑justice and faith organizations, told the committee the change would end unequal treatment and protect workers who harvest and pack food across the Commonwealth. Manuel Gago of the Legal Aid Justice Center said removing the exemptions "end[s] unequal treatment" and urged the committee to report the bill.

Opponents, including the Virginia Farm Bureau and agribusiness groups, warned that increased labor costs could hurt small farms operating under tight margins and seasonal cash flows. The Farm Bureau said maintaining the exemption allows some farms "to continue providing stable jobs and flexibility." Committee discussion noted prior vetoes of similar bills and data cited by supporters showing that most farmers already pay above minimum wage.

After debate and public comment from unions, faith groups and industry organizations, the subcommittee voted 5–2 to report the bill. The committee's recorded vote on the measure was 5–2 in favor of reporting it to the next stage.

The measure will continue through the legislative process with committee supporters signaling further floor debate and opponents seeking amendments to address potential economic impacts on small farms.