SENATE BILL 414

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Joshua Sanchez

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO LABOR; PROVIDING FOR EIGHTY PERCENT ASSISTANCE FOR THE COST OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE TO EMPLOYERS OF MINOR APPRENTICES; REQUIRING RULES; REQUIRING A REPORT; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 50, Article 7 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] MINOR APPRENTICE WORKERS' COMPENSATION--ASSISTANCE FUNDING.--

          A. An employer may apply to the labor relations division of the workforce solutions department for payment assistance for workers' compensation insurance pursuant to Subsection C of this section for up to two minor apprentices in a fiscal year.

          B. The apprenticeship council shall adopt procedures for assistance application and confirmation of minor apprenticeships pursuant to Subsection C of this section by rule.

          C. The labor relations division of the workforce solutions department shall provide financial assistance in the amount of eighty percent of the cost of workers' compensation insurance for a minor apprentice to an employer who complies with the application and confirmation procedures established pursuant to Subsection B of this section.

          D. The director of apprenticeship, in collaboration with the superintendent of insurance, shall:

                (1) examine options for employers to insure minor apprentices, including the potential to have minor apprentice employers pay for workers' compensation as a group pursuant to the Group Self-Insurance Act; and

                (2) on or before November 30, 2021, provide a report to the legislative education study committee providing recommendations for statutory changes to facilitate the insuring of apprentices.

          E. As used in this section, "minor apprentice" means an apprentice who is less than eighteen years of age."

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the workforce solutions department for expenditure in fiscal year 2022 and subsequent fiscal years to provide workers' compensation insurance assistance to employers of minor apprentices. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2021.

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