The bill amends the New Mexico Unemployment Compensation Law to grant the Secretary of Workforce Solutions the authority to waive the one-week waiting period requirement for unemployment benefits during a federal or state emergency or disaster declaration. This change is intended to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals affected by such emergencies, allowing them to access benefits without the usual waiting period.

Specifically, the bill introduces new language stating that the one-week waiting period may be waived in the event of an emergency or disaster declaration, ensuring that individuals can receive timely support when they need it most. The amendment clarifies that a week will not be counted as a week of unemployment for this purpose unless it meets certain eligibility criteria, including being within the benefit year and the individual being eligible for benefits. This legislative change aims to enhance the responsiveness of the unemployment compensation system in times of crisis.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 51-1-5