New Mexico Paid Leave Laws and Local Rules

The Healthy Workplaces Act, codified in NMSA 1978 Chapter 50, Article 17, requires nearly all private employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with no minimum employer size threshold. Employees may use leave for their own or a family member's illness, preventive care, domestic violence situations, or related court matters. Because New Mexico's law sets minimum standards rather than preempting locals, cities may adopt more generous paid leave rules. Bernalillo County and Albuquerque have considered or implemented additional leave protections beyond the state floor.

Healthy Workplaces Act violations may result in unpaid leave recovery, statutory damages, civil penalties, and Workforce Solutions enforcement actions against noncompliant employers.