STUDY MINIMUM WAGE & CAPITAL OUTLAY

Senate Memorial 18 requests state departments to form a task force to study how New Mexico's Public Works Minimum Wage Act and the federal Davis-Bacon Act affect costs for public construction projects like roads and buildings. The task force, including labor, construction, and government representatives, will analyze whether current wage requirements increase project costs and potentially limit infrastructure output per dollar spent. It will make recommendations for possible changes to the Public Works Minimum Wage Act by October 1, 2026. This is a study request, not a policy change, and does not alter existing wage laws. The bill directly affects state agencies managing public works contracts and capital projects.