The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee has advanced House Bill 11 to the House floor with a narrow vote of 6-5. The bill, sponsored by Representative Christine Chandler, aims to establish paid family medical leave in New Mexico.

Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the potential impact on small businesses. "Unfortunately, despite changes made to the bill, it remains costly and burdensome to New Mexico small businesses," Cole stated. She added that "the bill will raise taxes on employees and employers by hundreds of millions of dollars a year and leave businesses struggling to find temporary employees to fill the gaps left by those on leave or simply doing without."

Cole also mentioned an alternative proposal, HB 446, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Dow. This bill focuses solely on maternal and paternal leave and would be funded from existing state revenues without requiring a tax increase. "There’s a much better bill," Cole said. "It’s much less disruptive to the workplace, and most businesses would support this legislation." She further noted that HB 446 "would be easy to implement, less costly and business friendly."

If approved by the House, HB 11 will proceed to the Senate for additional consideration.

Further details will be covered in tonight's Legislative RoundUp.

Stay tuned for updates.