Nevada Bill Seeks Flexibility in Wage Agreements for H-2A Range Workers

A newly introduced bill in the Nevada Legislature aims to provide greater flexibility in wage agreements for H-2A guest workers employed in rangeland livestock operations. Senate Bill 204 (SB 204), introduced by Senator John Ellison, would allow these workers to be covered under written agreements for wages and employment terms rather than being subject to an hourly wage system with potential overtime requirements.

H-2A workers play a critical role in Nevada’s livestock and ranching industry, often working long hours in remote areas where traditional hourly wage structures may not align with the realities of ranch labor. The bill seeks to ensure that ranchers and H-2A workers can negotiate fair compensation through contractual agreements, rather than being bound to a rigid wage system that might not reflect the unique demands of range work.

Advocates of the bill argue that the seasonal and unpredictable nature of rangeland operations makes it impractical to apply standard overtime laws, while opponents may raise concerns about worker protections and fair compensation.

SB 204 has been referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, where it will undergo further discussion and potential amendments. If passed, the bill could provide ranchers with more flexibility in hiring and compensating foreign guest workers, while ensuring that employment terms are clearly defined through written agreements.

With Nevada’s agricultural and ranching sectors closely watching the outcome, the bill is expected to generate strong debate from industry leaders, labor advocates, and lawmakers.

Courtesy of Nevada Farm Bureau.