SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A bill that would make changes to New Mexico’s parental and medical leave practices cleared the House floor in Santa Fe Friday.
House Bill 11, known as the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Act, would separate medical leave and parental leave.
Under the proposal, workers could take up to six weeks of paid time off from a family wellness fund for circumstances including caring for a loved one in need, dealing with a serious health condition, and welcoming a foster child.
Parental leave would be supported separately by a welcome child fund. That would offer 12 weeks of leave for a parent, during which their job would be legally protected. Families would receive $3,000 per month for three months after their child is born or adopted.
The bill passed the New Mexico House of Representatives in a 38-to-31 vote and now goes to the Senate.