Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)

New Mexicans cannot continue to wait for this vital safety net program that most of the world’s workers have had in place for years.

Good for Business

Businesses that offer paid family and medical leave in New Mexico gain a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top talent. Large corporations increasingly offer private paid leave to attract high-quality employees, but most local businesses in NM can’t afford to absorb those costs alone.

By adopting PFMLA, the state can help alleviate the burden on small businesses in New Mexico, providing a financial safety net for both employers and employees. Companies like Facebook, Netflix, and NBC Universal are already bringing these benefits to their employees—including in their New Mexico operations.

New Mexico is proud to offer entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses an opportunity to innovate, experiment, and grow right here in the Land of Enchantment. PFMLA will support small businesses, improve recruitment and retention, and promote innovation to take business risks without fearing the loss of income if they or a loved one becomes unexpectedly ill.

Good for Employees

Paid family leave for health recovery empowers New Mexicans to care for a new child, recover from serious illness, or tend to ailing loved ones. This includes paid maternity leave in NM, time for family caregivers, and coverage for personal medical needs.

Other states have already implemented their own PFML programs. Those state programs have demonstrated remarkable outcomes in reducing infant mortality, child abuse injuries, and nursing home usage, while improving parental physical and mental well-being.

PFML programs are also effective in improving employee performance and engagement. Studies show that employees who take paid leave are less likely to take sick leave when they return, more likely to be employed by the same business two years later, and more likely to report high morale and workplace satisfaction.

Good for New Mexico

At some point in our working years, most New Mexicans will need to take time away from work when we welcome a new child, face a serious health issue, or the illness of a close family member. We can each do a little to make a big difference, protecting ourselves and one another from economic disruption.

New Mexico is proud to be a family-friendly state. We love, protect, and care for our own families, our neighbors, our customers, and our employees. New Mexicans deserve to know that we will come together to ensure that no family will face economic uncertainty due to a health condition or family care-giving responsibilities.

By passing the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act, New Mexico ensures economic security for ourselves, our employees, and our communities.

How it Works

Department of Workforce Solutions will administer the Paid Family & Medical Leave Trust Fund.

Employee and employer contributions will fund compensation payments and administration of the fund. Employers with fewer than 10 employees will be exempted from paying their portion of the contribution.

After contributing for at least six months and submitting an application to the Department, employees will receive a percentage of their average weekly wages for up to 12 weeks. Self-employed individuals can opt into the program.

Employees and self-employed individuals will receive leave compensation payments directly from the Trust Fund. During an employee’s leave period, employers will benefit from wage savings, which may be used to pay overtime wages for current employees, hire a temporary replacement, or invest in other ways.