SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — Last year, a group of Democratic lawmakers tried to approve paid family medical leave for a large portion of New Mexicans. The idea made it through the New Mexico Senate before stalling out . Now, the idea is once again on the table.
Senate Bill 3 , also known as House Bill 6 and sponsored by four Democratic lawmakers, would help New Mexico join the 12 other states with broad paid family medical leave systems. Under the bill, the state would run a fund that takes in money from employers and employees across New Mexico. Contributors could receive payouts from the fund for qualifying medical leave lasting up to 12 weeks.
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Workers who participate in the program could get paid leave in the event of serious health conditions, taking time off from work to seek safety from domestic violence or abuse, and taking time off to serve in the military, according to the Legislative Finance Committee. Family members, like parents, grandparents, siblings, and children of the participating workers would also be covered under the program.