New Mexico Enacts Bill Eliminating Lower Student Wage

New Mexico eliminated the $8.50 hourly minimum wage that may be paid to high school students for work done after school or while school is not in session under a bill signed March 18 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).

The measure (S.B. 35) is to take effect June 18.

Employers may pay regularly enrolled high school students at least the state $10.50 hourly minimum wage under the measure. The measure does not affect an exemption from minimum-wage requirements that exists for nonstudents who are younger than 19.