Legislative pay would track New Mexico household income

Legislators could receive compensation based on New Mexico’s annual median household income. The provision covers members of the New Mexico Legislature. The compensation would be provided under Article 4, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution. The amount could rise or fall as the reported median household income changes. The initial amount would use the 2027 New Mexico median household income reported around September 2028, with adjustments every four years; compensation would begin when a legislator is seated and sworn in for the 59th Legislature.

A legislator could refuse compensation or refuse an increase by filing a signed written notice with the chief clerk. The option would apply to individual legislators who choose not to receive all compensation or a compensation increase. A legislator could withdraw the refusal after a legislative session by filing the same type of notice. Any restored or increased compensation would apply only going forward and would not include lost payments during the refusal. Restored or increased compensation would begin with the first full pay period after the chief clerk receives the notice.

The bill’s provisions would take effect only after the required constitutional change is certified. The condition applies to all provisions in the bill. The secretary of state would have to certify that New Mexico’s Constitution was amended as described in the listed joint resolution. If certification occurs, the provisions would take effect on January 16, 2029.