New Mexico 2023 HR Bills

2 years ago

Not even two weeks and too many bills to count. The 2023 New Mexico legislature is well under way. The last day to introduce new bills is February 17, 2023 which will likely create a rush to the finish line. Here is a short listing of HR related bills.

HB 25 Minimum Wage Increase and Indexing

HB 28 State Minimum Wage Cost-Of-Living Increase

HB 65 Return to Work for Affiliated Public Employer

HB 66 Safety Officer Retirement Calculations

HB 116 Active Duty Nat’l Guard as State Employees

HB 127 Education Assistant Salary Increase

HB 150 Retiree Health Care Contributions

HB 166 NM Work & Save Act and Retirement Changes

HB 189 Educational Retirement Changes

SB 193 Retiree Healthcare Contributions

SB 194 NM Work & Save Act & Retirement Changes

SB 211 Career Development Success Pilot Program

SB 226 Diversity Act 

SJM 2 State Employee Evaluation Task Force

Note that some of HR related legislation above applies to either private or public employment. Most are clearly noted in the title with the exception of the Diversity Act, which relates to the state. Nothing has yet been introduced on the “Paid Family and Medical Leave” yet but we are expecting to still see something before the close of the introduction of items given that the Task Force has provided its recommendations. Expect to see a lot of controversy on the wage bills as the implication to small businesses is considered against employees’ economic needs.

Both the “NM Work & Save Act and Retirement Changes” relates to private sector retirement and changes the definition of covered employees, covered employers, and wages, making this coverage mandatory for some employers that are not currently included.

The Career Development Success Program is a three-year pilot program providing financial incentives to school districts to enroll students in grades nine through twelve in a “qualified industry credential program, or qualified workplace training program.” I’ve included it here as this may be a potential recruitment source for employers in the future.

If you are unsure about which laws apply to you or need help to come into compliance with existing regulations, contact us at Southwestern HR Consulting today!