The bill amends Section 22-2-8.1 of the New Mexico Statutes to allow up to sixty instructional hours per school year for middle and high school grades to be utilized for professional work hours. This change replaces the previous provision that allowed thirty instructional hours for these grades. A "professional work hour" is defined as time when teachers engage in activities such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, educator training, and collaboration among school employees, all aimed at enhancing academic content and performance standards.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement for students to be in school programs for a minimum of one thousand one hundred forty instructional hours per year, excluding lunch, while allowing local school boards the flexibility to exceed these minimum requirements. The legislation also clarifies that time spent on breakfast during school hours counts as part of the instructional day, ensuring that students receive adequate instructional time even when meals are served.