INCREASE MINIMUM WAGE

HB 246 increases New Mexico's minimum wage to $17.00 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual adjustments based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index. It affects most covered employees, including those in retail, hospitality, and service industries, while excluding specific categories like certain agricultural workers and executive roles as defined in the Minimum Wage Act. The bill repeals prior exemption language and mandates the new wage rate to be adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation. This change would directly impact workers currently earning below $17.00 hourly who are not covered by existing exemptions.