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 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. The specific legal language added states that the Secretary may waive this requirement, and it clarifies that a week will not be counted as a week of unemployment for this purpose.

In addition to the new provision regarding the waiting period, the bill retains existing eligibility conditions for receiving unemployment benefits, which include making a claim, registering for work, being able and available for work, and having been unemployed for the specified waiting period, among others. The amendment aims to enhance the responsiveness of the unemployment compensation system in times of crisis, ensuring that individuals can receive timely support when they need it most.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 51-1-5