New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 10 / May 19, 2026

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Public Hearing. The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) hereby gives notice that it will conduct a virtual public hearing on Thursday June 18, 2026, beginning at 9:00am. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public commentary on the proposed rulemaking to amend 5.5.50 NMAC, Industrial Development Training Program, and to address any other proposed amendments suggested by interested parties during the public comment period. The Industrial Development Board will also receive public commentary on proposed policy amendment to the upskills training program, STEP-UP, under the Job Training Incentive Program.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed amendments to 5.5.50 NMAC, Industrial Development Training Program (Job Training Incentive Program) and address additional changes that may have been suggested by the Industrial Training Board or other interested parties during the public comment period.

Rule Change Information: The purpose of this proposed rule change is to consider the removal of the paragraph that states “the JTIP board may maintain wage requirements effective in the first year of the JTIP approval for the length of the job ramp within the Project Participation Agreement (PPA) for companies that are also engaged in a LEDA agreement with the Economic Development Department provided the company meets job creation requirements within that period and wages do not fall below the statewide minimum wage.”

Rule Change Information: Minimum wage requirements for subsequent fiscal years will be reviewed annually by the board and may be adjusted using an inflation or wage‑growth index that best reflects economic conditions. Acceptable indices include, but are not limited to, the Consumer Price Index (CPI‑U or CPI‑W), the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), and the Employment Cost Index (ECI) and the Mountain Region CPI. Any adjustment will apply for the entire fiscal year beginning July 1. If the selected index reflects negative growth, the board may choose to maintain current requirements. Proposed increase for FY27 is 1.7%.

Statutory Authorization

Section 21-19-7 NMSA 1978 grants the Industrial Training Board the authority to promulgate and enforce rule.

Public comment: Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to submit written comments regarding the proposed policy amendments relating to the Job Training Incentive Program to Patrick Gannon, JTIP Program Manager, at patrick.gannon@edd.nm.gov. Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. EDD encourages the early submission of written comments. Individuals may also testify at the public hearing.

For instructions on how to attend this meeting, visit the Department’s website at: https://edd.newmexico.gov/about-us/public-notices.

The proposed policy amendments and current JTIP Policy Manual may be accessed through EDD’s website https://edd.newmexico.gov/about-us/public-notices/ beginning May 19, 2026, or from Patrick Gannon at the contact above.

Individuals with disabilities who require this information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in this hearing are asked to contact Patrick Gannon as soon as possible. The EDD requests at least ten days advance notice to provide requested special accommodation.