House Bill 6, which would provide up to 12 weeks paid medical and family leave to most employees, progressed in the New Mexico legislature on Jan. 24. Democratic lawmakers noted they have been refining this bill for years, learning from states administering similar programs. The proposal would establish a state fund, maintained by contributions from employers and employees. Applications for paid leave would be managed by the Department of Workforce Solutions.

However, the bill was met with opposition from Republicans, expressing worries about its impact on businesses. Rep. Jenifer Jones (R-Doña Ana) argued the bill was ambiguous, allowing employees to take leave for various circumstances which she deemed too broad.

Amid concerns, Tracy McDaniel from the Southwestern Women’s Law Center reassured that small businesses, making up 66% of employers in the state, will not have to contribute to the fund. Representatives Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe) and Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) outlined that on a million-dollar payroll, a company would pay about $4,000 a year, while an employee earning the median income of $54,000 would contribute $218.

The bill passed the committee with a 6 to 3 vote along party lines and is set to go to the House Commerce & Economic Development committee. A similar bill, Senate Bill 3, has been introduced in the Senate and was due to be discussed on Jan. 25. Another bill proposing a different approach to paid leave, sponsored by Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Bernalillo), was also due for consideration, but was not reached before the committee adjourned.