Sacramento Legislative & Regulatory Update - September 2026

As the Governor continues reviewing the final bills of California’s 2025–26 legislative session, several measures affecting agriculture and employers have been signed, vetoed, or remain under consideration. Here’s a quick look at the latest developments, courtesy of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC).

Signed Into Law

• AB 2143 | Noxious Weeds: Prohibits online marketplaces from facilitating the sale or shipment of noxious weeds into California. CDFA will have authority to issue notices, assess penalties, and recover remediation costs. The law becomes operative April 1, 2027.
• AB 2380 | Pest Control Registration Fees: Increases registration fee caps for pest control businesses and certain industry professionals. Businesses registered in multiple counties should be prepared for higher renewal costs.

Vetoed

• SB 1180 | Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund: The Governor vetoed legislation addressing how funds created under SB 54 would be used. According to FPFC's update, the veto leaves the existing SB 54 program unchanged, and current packaging obligations remain in place.

Awaiting Governor Action

• AB 2244 | "Non-Ultraprocessed Certified" Standard: Would establish a new certification program and seal for qualifying foods and create stocking requirements for larger grocery retailers. The measure was presented to the Governor on September 8 and is awaiting action.

Regulatory Update

• Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention: Revised draft language would update California's indoor and outdoor heat illness standards, including adding rhabdomyolysis to the list of heat illnesses, expanding personal risk factors employers must address, and changing certain high-heat procedure exemptions. FPFC continues to engage in the rulemaking process through its Sacramento advocacy efforts.

Emergency Preparedness

California has also issued a statewide state of emergency in preparation for potentially severe El Niño conditions. According to the FPFC update, the action is intended to prepare flood-fighting resources, support emergency response, and streamline certain flood-protection work. Growers and shippers in flood-prone areas are encouraged to review their winter contingency plans.

Source: Legislative and regulatory update provided by the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC).

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