This bill amends Section 22-13-1.1 of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance high school graduation requirements by incorporating education on employee rights in the workplace. Specifically, it mandates that beginning with students entering the ninth grade in the 2026-2027 school year, the social science curriculum must include information on employee rights, covering topics such as the Human Rights Act, the Public Employee Bargaining Act, the federal National Labor Relations Act, and the role of labor organizations. This addition aims to ensure that students are well-informed about their rights as employees, thereby preparing them for the workforce.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for students to receive additional weight in their grade point average calculations if they successfully complete an industry-recognized credential, a certificate, or a degree. This change is intended to encourage students to pursue career technical education and related credentials, thereby enhancing their employability upon graduation. Overall, the bill seeks to align educational outcomes with workforce readiness by integrating essential knowledge about employee rights and career pathways into the high school curriculum.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-13-1.1