Brief

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez introduced a resolution establishing LA's legislative priorities for 2025-2026 focused on the H-2A visa program, fair wage standards, and protections for immigrant and domestic farmworkers. The Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved the item on April 17, 2026. Council adopted it unanimously 13-0-2 on April 29, 2026, and the Mayor took no further action by the May 11 deadline.

Full summary

This resolution, introduced by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and seconded by Councilmember Imelda Padilla, establishes Los Angeles's formal opposition to a U.S. Department of Labor interim final rule that would reduce minimum wage rates paid to temporary and seasonal agricultural workers on the H-2A visa program. The federal rule achieves those cuts by reclassifying 92 percent of farmworkers as "unskilled," which the resolution argues would push wages below current standards and create downward pressure on pay for all agricultural workers — including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, not just visa holders. The substantive directive is to add this opposition to the city's 2025-26 Federal Legislative Program, positioning LA to formally advocate against the rule through federal lobbying channels. Proponents argued that reducing wages for essential agricultural workers undermines economic stability, weakens labor standards broadly, and contradicts longstanding federal worker protection policy. No community impact statements were submitted, and the Chief Legislative Analyst reported no fiscal impact to the city. The file moved quickly through the legislative process. The Chief Legislative Analyst submitted a report and revised resolution on April 15, 2026, and the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved the measure two days later on a 4-0 vote, with one member absent. The full Council adopted the resolution 13-0-2 on April 29, 2026. The file was transmitted to the Mayor on May 1, and became final on May 11 after the Mayor took no action within the required window. The file is now closed.

Activity (9)

• 2026-05-11 Council action final.
• 2026-05-01 City Clerk transmitted file to Mayor. Last day for Mayor to act is May 11, 2026.
• 2026-04-29 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
• 2026-04-24 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on April 29, 2026.
• 2026-04-17 Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved item(s) .
• 2026-04-15 Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on April 17, 2026.
• 2026-04-15 Chief Legislative Analyst document(s) referred to Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
• 2026-04-15 Document submitted by Chief Legislative Analyst, dated April 15, 2026.
• 2026-03-24 Resolution referred to Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Documents (4)

• 2026-05-11 Mayor Concurrence/Council Action · other
• 2026-04-17 Report from Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee · report
• 2026-04-15 Report from Chief Legislative Analyst · report
• 2026-03-24 Resolution · other