SANTA FE — A plan backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration to ease New Mexico’s back-to-work law by allowing retired public sector workers to be rehired while still collecting pension benefits — but only for a maximum of three years — is headed to the Senate floor.
Despite opposition from labor unions, the Senate Finance Committee voted 9-2 on Monday to approve the measure, which is aimed at bolstering depleted staffing levels for many New Mexico state agencies, cities and counties.
Backers said the bill, Senate Bill 124, would impose strict guardrails on individuals who go back to work, including a requirement they retire for at least 12 months, work for no more than three years and do not accrue additional pension benefits after being rehired.
The program would also expire in July 2029, giving it a six-year lifespan if not extended.
John Ramon Vigil, the mayor of Española, said his northern New Mexico community has struggled to find enough employees to fully staff city departments.
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“I could possibly have a fully-staffed police department to secure my community” if the bill is approved, Vigil told senators during Monday’s hearing.
But critics argued there are better and more creative ways to bolster depleted staffing levels.
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