The "Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act" establishes a comprehensive framework for family wellness leave, creating two key funds: the Family Wellness Leave Fund and the Welcome Child Fund. The Family Wellness Leave Fund will provide eligible individuals with a percentage of their wages during various types of leave, including bereavement, medical, and safe leave. The Welcome Child Fund offers a $3,000 monthly refund for three months following the birth or adoption of a child, along with up to twelve weeks of leave to bond with the new child. The act outlines eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to have been employed for at least six months prior to their application, and specifies the calculation of benefits based on average weekly wages, with a maximum payment limit tied to the annual mean wage in New Mexico.

Additionally, the act includes provisions for confidentiality of applicant information, employer notification of employee rights, and protections against retaliation. It establishes procedures for appealing adverse determinations regarding leave claims and outlines responsibilities for both employees and employers. The bill also empowers the Workforce Solutions Department to manage the act's implementation, including holding hearings on complaints and ruling on them within specified timeframes. Furthermore, it creates the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Implementation Advisory Committee to provide input on best practices, while ensuring that local governments cannot create conflicting leave programs. The act aims to support families during significant life events while maintaining job security and providing a structured process for claims and appeals.