Labor & Employment (Public Employees)

SB 260 creates a tax credit allowing businesses to claim 75% of donations (up to $750,000 per company annually) to public colleges or school districts for workforce education programs, such as vocational training and job skills courses. The credit is capped at $5 million total per year across all businesses, requiring companies to apply for certification through the state's economic development department. Eligible donations must be direct monetary contributions to public institutions - not to affiliated entities - and the credit applies to taxable years starting January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects businesses donating to workforce training programs and public educational institutions receiving those funds.

HB 255 creates a dedicated state fund to help counties and public safety agencies recruit and retain workers in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public defender offices. The program provides competitive grants for recruitment bonuses, training, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equipment tied to workforce development - *not* for base salaries or new positions. Grant applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address local staffing gaps, with priority given to areas with high vacancy rates or crime. All funds must be spent within two years, and grantees must submit annual progress reports to the state.

HB 98 increases the minimum hourly wage for New Mexico state employees to $15 starting July 1, 2027, with future annual adjustments tied to the consumer price index. It also establishes new annual leave accrual rates based on years of service (ranging from 4.62 to 7.39 hours per pay period) and mandates 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible employees beginning July 2027. The bill requires state agencies to create remote work programs to improve recruitment and retention, particularly for rural New Mexico residents, while maintaining performance standards. These changes apply to all state employees except student workers and may be superseded by existing collective bargaining agreements.