AB-1600 • 2026

Disadvantaged communities: farmworker communities.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Arambula
Last action: 2026-04-08
Official status: In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how farmworker communities will be identified or what requirements they must meet, nor does it specify a timeline for updating tools and guidelines.

Farmworkers Count Too: Expanding Help for Disadvantaged Communities

This law expands the definition of 'disadvantaged communities' to include farmworker communities that meet certain requirements and updates tools to identify these areas.

What This Bill Does

Expands the definition of 'disadvantaged communities' to include farmworker communities that meet certain requirements.
Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with other state agencies, to update screening tools and guidance documents to ensure farmworker communities are included as disadvantaged communities.

Who It Names or Affects

Farmworkers and their families living in areas identified as disadvantaged communities.
State agencies like the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Community Services and Development, and State Department of Public Health.

Terms To Know

Disadvantaged Communities: Areas that need extra help from the government because they face more challenges than other areas.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: A fund used by California to support projects that reduce greenhouse gases and improve quality of life in disadvantaged communities.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how farmworker communities will be identified or what specific requirements they must meet.
It is unclear when the updated tools and guidelines for identifying disadvantaged communities will be completed.

Bill History

2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 1.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on E.S & T.M.
2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on E.S & T.M. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on E.S & T.M.
2026-01-17 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 16.
2026-01-16 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1600, as amended, Arambula.
Disadvantaged communities: farmworker communities.
Existing law defines “disadvantaged communities” and requires the California Environmental Protection Agency to identify disadvantaged communities for investment opportunities from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and for other purposes.
This bill would expand the definition of “disadvantaged communities” by explicitly authorizing the inclusion of farmworker communities that meet certain requirements. The bill would require the agency, in consultation with the Department of Community Services and Development and the State Department of Public Health, to revise applicable screening tools and guidance documents to ensure the inclusion of farmworker communities as disadvantaged communities in all relevant program eligibility determinations and benefit calculations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF