February 21, 2025
New Mexico legislative activity
House Bill 11, the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act, passed out of committee and now awaits a vote before the full House. In its current form, New Mexico presents a unique proposal that is unlike existing state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs.
New Mexico has until March 22 to take action on this proposal, and Unum Government Affairs will provide key updates as they occur.
Key details: New Mexico Paid Family and Medical Leave legislative proposal (Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act)*
|
Contribution start date |
July 01, 2027 |
|
Benefit start date |
January 01, 2028 |
|
Leave reasons |
Welcome Child (parental/bonding) and Family Wellness (caregiving, own medical, foster/adoption, qualifying exigency, domestic violence and bereavement) |
| Employee contribution |
Family Wellness—0.2% |
|
Employer contribution |
Family Wellness—0.15% (five or more employees) |
|
Additional funding |
The state’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) would fund Welcome Child leave; employees and employers would not contribute. |
|
Private plans |
Yes. "An employer that has adopted and operates a leave plan or program for the benefit of its employees that provides leave and leave benefits substantially similar to or greater than … benefits offered pursuant to the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act may apply for a waiver". |
|
Family Wellness benefit duration |
Six weeks |
|
Welcome Child benefit duration |
Twelve weeks |
| Family Wellness maximum weekly benefit | Annual mean wage of all occupations in New Mexico divided by 52 (State average weekly wage (SAWW): annual mean wage of all occupations in New Mexico, divided by 52. 2025 SAWW = $1093.83) |
| Welcome Child maximum benefit | $3,000/month for three months |
*Subject to legislative enactment; accurate as of 02/21/25.