House advances bill requiring prevailing wages for publicly-supported projects
Measure would align compensation for local projects with state public works standards
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - The New Mexico House of Representatives on Monday voted 41-26 to approve a bill that would require workers on publicly-supported municipal and county projects to be paid a prevailing wage.
House Bill 6 would mandate that contractors and subcontractors on projects funded through Municipal and County Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) provide workers with wages and benefits in line with state public works projects. Currently, workers on IRB-funded projects are only required to be paid minimum wage.
Supporters of the legislation argue that aligning wage standards with those used for state public works projects, such as building and road construction, would ensure fair pay for skilled tradespeople.
“Making sure hardworking New Mexicans and tradespeople are fairly paid for their skilled work isn’t just the right thing to do, it also promotes high-quality construction on taxpayer-supported projects,” said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, a primary sponsor of the bill.
Co-sponsor Rep. Joseph Sanchez said IRBs help generate economic growth and jobs, and workers contributing to these projects should receive wages comparable to those earned in other publicly-funded projects.
New Mexico’s prevailing wage rates are determined by the Workforce Solutions Department’s Labor Relations Division. Advocates say prevailing wage laws can improve worker productivity, reduce workplace injuries and increase training opportunities, helping to address labor shortages in the construction industry.
The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, House Speaker Javier Martínez and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 6 is part of a broader set of legislative proposals focused on wages, consumer protections, and affordability. Other measures under consideration include proposals to increase minimum pay for school staff (HB 201), prohibit employers from deducting credit card fees from tipped workers’ wages (HB 22), and establish a commission to study grocery store prices (HB 17). Additional bills address healthcare access (HB 186, HB 263) and rental protections (HB 43, HB 98, HB 215, HB 339).
The public can attend legislative sessions and committee meetings in person at the New Mexico Roundhouse or watch online via the New Mexico Legislature’s webcast. Public comment is accepted in person and through virtual platforms as detailed in the daily schedule.