Legislative Session Update: February 19

Welcome to this week's legislative session update from the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce. As we move past the midpoint of the session, critical legislative developments are unfolding that could significantly impact the business community. Below is a summary of today’s discussion led by Public Policy Committee Chair Matt Jaramillo.

Legislative Session Status
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• New Bill Introduction Deadline:
  Tomorrow, February 20, is the last day to introduce new legislation. However, leadership and committee chairs can still reserve spots for key initiatives, often using "dummy bills" as placeholders.
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• Over 1,000 pieces of legislation have been introduced so far.

House Bill 11 and Committee Substitute

Today at 1:30 PM, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee will debate House Bill 11 (Paid Family Medical Leave Act) and its newly proposed committee substitute, the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act.

Comparison of the Original Bill vs. Committee Substitute
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• Purpose:
  Original Bill: Broad coverage for family, medical, and safety-related leave.
  Committee Substitute: Narrower focus on parental bonding, bereavement, and family care leave.
  
  
• Benefits:
  Original Bill: Covers family, medical, safety, and extensive leave.
  Committee Substitute: Adds welcome child, foster, bereavement, and safety leave, but limits durations.
  
  
• Eligibility:
  Original Bill: Broadly applies to employees and self-employed individuals who opt in.
  Committee Substitute: More detailed provisions for self-employed individuals.
  
  
• Duration:
  Original Bill: 12 weeks annually, with gradual medical leave rollout.
  Committee Substitute: 6 weeks annually, except for 12 weeks of welcome child leave.
  
  
• Funding Source:
  Original Bill: Employee/employer contributions at 0.5%, increasing after 2030.
  Committee Substitute: Employee contributions at 0.2% and employer contributions at 0.15%, adjusted after 2030.
  
  
• Employer Opt-Out:
  Original Bill: Allows opt-out for employers with comparable programs.
  Committee Substitute: Employers can apply for a waiver if offering comparable benefits.

The committee substitute is viewed as more fiscally manageable and business-friendly, though concerns remain about its administration and solvency.

Other Key Legislative Measures
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• Minimum Wage Increase:
  Proposals to raise the minimum wage are moving forward.
  
  
• Hospitality Industry Measures:
  Legislation is advancing to prevent restaurants from deducting point-of-sale fees from employees' tips.
  
  
• Energy Legislation:
  Utility-related bills on grid hardening and maintenance are progressing. A measure allowing utilities to petition for low-income rates is also under consideration.
  
  
• Crime and Health Legislation:
  ​These measures are now crossing over between the House and Senate, with ongoing debates to refine provisions.

How to Stay Informed 
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​Visit www.nmlegis.gov to follow today’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act debate and explore other legislative measures. The site provides committee schedules, webcasts, and legislator contact information for those wishing to voice their opinions.

Looking Ahead

​​The legislative session concludes on March 22, and key discussions will continue over the coming weeks. Tune in next Wednesday for more updates, and thank you for supporting Bridget and the Santa Fe Chamber’s efforts to advocate for the business community.
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Thank you for staying engaged, and we look forward to bringing you more updates as we work together to make New Mexico a thriving place for businesses and communities alike.