The bill amends the Minimum Wage Act in New Mexico to increase the minimum wage for certain employees and establish an annual adjustment based on inflation. Specifically, it sets a new minimum wage of $17.00 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to the consumer price index. The bill introduces a definition for "consumer price index" and outlines the method for calculating annual wage adjustments, ensuring that the minimum wage will not decrease even if the consumer price index falls.

Additionally, the bill repeals Section 50-4-23 of the Minimum Wage Act, which likely contained outdated provisions. The amendments also clarify the definitions of "employ," "employer," and "employee," expanding the scope of who qualifies for minimum wage protections while removing certain exemptions that previously applied to specific categories of workers. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wage protections for workers in New Mexico by establishing a higher minimum wage and a mechanism for regular increases.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 50-4-21, 50-4-22, 50-4-23