NM SM18

Requests the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Transportation, and Workforce Solutions Department to convene a task force studying the impact of the Public Works Minimum Wage Act on public works and capital outlay project costs in New Mexico

Task force would include representatives from labor, construction industries, state and local government, and the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research

Public Works Minimum Wage Act applies to state and political subdivision contracts exceeding $60,000, requiring wages higher than private sector projects; the state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour

Task force would also examine the federal Davis-Bacon Act's impact, which requires prevailing wages on federally funded contracts over $2,000

Report and recommendations on potential changes to the Public Works Minimum Wage Act due to the appropriate interim legislative committee by October 1, 2026