Bill > SB606

This bill amends existing New Mexico law, specifically Section 50-6-3 of the NMSA 1978, which outlines maximum work hours for children. The key changes restrict the work hours for minors on school nights. Previously, the law focused on children aged fourteen to sixteen, but this bill expands its scope to include those aged sixteen to eighteen. For children aged fourteen and fifteen, the bill clarifies that they cannot work more than three hours per day or eighteen hours per week during school days and weeks, and also sets specific time limits for their employment, prohibiting work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Crucially, the bill introduces a new provision for children over sixteen and younger than nineteen, stating they cannot be employed before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on any day that precedes an instructional day at their school. The "Child Labor Act" is referenced as the overarching legislation governing these employment regulations.