The bill amends existing laws regarding the salaries of educational assistants and school personnel in New Mexico. It raises the minimum annual salary for licensed educational assistants from $25,000 to $30,000, effective in the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, it establishes that all school districts must pay a minimum wage rate of $15.00 per hour or a minimum annual salary of $30,000 to all school personnel, regardless of their certification status.

The bill also includes provisions for educational assistants to receive professional leave to attend teacher preparation programs, provided they meet certain criteria, such as being employed for at least two years and being in good standing with their school district. The changes aim to enhance the support and compensation for educational staff, thereby improving the educational environment in public schools.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-10A-17.1, 21-1B-4