Bill > HB84

This bill, known as the Employee Free Speech Act, aims to protect employees from being compelled to attend employer-sponsored meetings or listen to communications about political matters. The bill defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," "political matters," and "retaliatory action," and establishes that employers cannot take adverse employment actions against employees who refuse to participate in meetings or listen to communications about political topics. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from threatening or implementing retaliatory actions like firing, demoting, reducing hours, or disciplining employees who opt out of political discussions. If an employer violates these provisions, they can be held liable for actual damages, lost wages, reinstatement, and punitive damages, and may also be required to pay the employee's legal fees. The bill includes several exceptions, such as allowing employers to communicate legally required information, job-related communications, and casual conversations, and it does not restrict communications within religious organizations, educational institutions, or among managerial staff. The legislation is designed to protect employees' freedom of choice regarding political matters in the workplace.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=84&year=25