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: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Com. on E.Q.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on the criteria for farmworker communities to be considered disadvantaged, nor does it specify how this change will impact current programs or funding allocations.

Farmworkers' Communities: Disadvantaged Areas

This law changes how California defines 'disadvantaged communities' to include farmworker areas that meet certain requirements, and it asks the state agency to update its tools for identifying these communities.

What This Bill Does

Expands the definition of disadvantaged communities to include farmworker communities if they meet specific criteria.
Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency to work with other departments to revise screening tools and guidance documents.

Who It Names or Affects

Farmworkers and their communities
The California Environmental Protection Agency
Departments of Community Services and Development, and Public Health

Terms To Know

Disadvantaged communities: Communities that face significant challenges such as poverty or environmental issues.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify the exact criteria for farmworker communities to be included as disadvantaged.
It is unclear how this change will affect current programs or funding allocations.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on E.Q.
2026-05-27 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-26 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 60. Noes 10.)
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 11. Noes 4.) (May 14).
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