L&I Enforcement of Farmworker Labor Laws
September 2026
Zane Potter, Suzanna Pratt, Melanie Stidham, Hope Thompson, research analysts
Ryan McCord, audit director; Eric Thomas, legislative auditor
Contact information
Legislative auditor's conclusion
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) meets enforcement timelines for health and safety laws, but not for wage and hour laws. Recent legislative and agency-led changes may help L&I reduce enforcement delays.
Read the full reportKey points
- L&I enforces laws about health, safety, wages, hours, and retaliation.
- L&I completed more than 95% of agricultural health and safety inspections on time.
- Wage and hour complaint backlogs have delayed investigations.
- L&I and the Legislature are addressing wage and hour inefficiencies through additional staffing, reorganization, and changes in state law.
- L&I engages with employers and workers through consultation, education, and community outreach.
Legislative auditor’s recommendations
The legislative auditor makes one recommendation.
Recommendation #1
L&I should report to JLARC and relevant committees of the Legislature in December 2026 and December 2027 about the following:
- The effects of its efforts to address complaint backlogs and meet required timelines.
- Its implementation of the 2026 legislation that changes how it enforces wage and hour laws.
Legislation required:
None
Fiscal impact:
None
Implementation date:
December 2026 and December 2027.
Agency response:
L&I concurs.
Agency name:
Labor and Industries (L&I)
Status:
Not yet reported
Video summary
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Department of Labor and Industries' Enforcement of Farmworker Labor Laws (HTML)
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Lea el resumen ejecutivo en español (PDF)
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Legislative mandate