45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO REQUIRE THAT THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE BE AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE MINIMUM WAGE ESTABLISHED BY FEDERAL LAW.

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

Section 1. It is proposed to amend Article 20 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

"A. No law shall be enacted establishing a minimum wage in this state that is lower than the minimum wage established for similar work by federal law.

B. If, at any time, a minimum wage, established by law in this state, is lower than a minimum wage established for similar work by federal law, then the state's minimum wage shall be deemed, for all purposes, to be equal to that minimum wage established by federal law.

C. If, at any time, a minimum wage has been established by federal law and there exists no minimum wage established by the state for similar work, then the state's minimum wage shall be deemed, for all purposes, to be equal to that minimum wage established by federal law.

D. This section is self-executing; however, the legislature shall designate a public officer who shall annually post the minimum wages applicable to New Mexico pursuant to this section."

Section 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.