SANTA FE, N.M. – Democrats, Republicans, business leaders, and employee advocates all agree paid time off would be a fantastic benefit, but crafting a program all those groups can support together is easier said than done.

Some state lawmakers believe they’ve cracked the code.

“I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve worked hard to develop a program that will work for us here in New Mexico,” said state Rep. Christine Chandler. 

Chandler unveiled the newest version of her paid family and medical leave proposal Wednesday afternoon. House Bill 11 is now called the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act.

According to the new proposal, the family wellness portion is functionally the same as the original paid family medical leave proposal.

All New Mexico workers would be able to take up to six weeks of paid time off to deal with medical issues, bereavement, military leave and a few other circumstances.

There would still be mandatory contributions to a new state fund, but workers would only contribute $2 for every thousand in wages, and employers with five or more workers would only pay a $1.50.

“It is much less expensive than what we had originally proposed. Largely, I would note, due to the fact that we’re creating the Welcome Child Fund,” said Chandler. 

That’s the biggest change. The bill’s sponsors are separating maternity and paternity leave into its own program, completely funded by the state’s Early Childhood and Education Department.

New, working parents – and that includes adoptive parents – could receive $3,000 a month for three months per child.

“This is vital when we’re looking at our early childhood education and our development for these kids that zero to three months, it is near impossible to find any child care in that time,” said state Rep. Lina Serrato. 

There are still employer notification requirements and mandatory financial reviews, and workers would not be able to take paid time off until 2028. Even with those massive changes, business and industry leaders packed the committee room to voice their opposition.

“This bill still imposes a tax increase on employers and on every worker in the state,” said Terri Cole, executive director of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.  

“It assumes that qualified labor is always available to fill in for an absent employee. In rural New Mexico, it isn’t,” said Tom Patterson with the New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association. 

“This bill will kill many restaurants,” said Fernando Olea, a restaurant owner. 

Just as many people showed up to support the new bill before House lawmakers spent more than four hours picking it apart.

The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee approved the new bill on a 6-5 vote. It now heads to the House floor for a vote.

Track HB 11 during the legislative session.