New Mexico Paid Sick Leave Effective July 1, 2022

New Mexico Paid Sick Leave Effective July 1, 2022

Starting July 1, 2022, New Mexico will become one of many places in the U.S. that requires paid sick leave. One hour of paid sick leave will accrue for every 30 hours worked. A maximum of 64 sick leave hours can be accrued and used per year, but employers can opt for a higher limit. Unused sick leave carries over from year to year, but employers need not provide more than 64 hours per year. Pay out of unused sick leave is not required upon the end of employment, but if rehired within 12 months, then previously accrued but unused sick leave is reinstated. The sick leave can be used for the employee’s own medical needs or for a family member’s as well as for certain safety-related issues, including to seek help for domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. The sick leave cannot be waived by a collective bargaining agreement. A notice of the employee’s rights under the law must be provided at the time of hire, and a poster with such information must also be posted at the workplace. Monetary penalty for each violation starts at $250 and increases depending on the nature of the violation. The statute is available here.