Summary:

 Senate Bill 317 (SB 317) in Workforce Development creates the Youth Internship Opportunity Program. SB 317 provides for the payment of wages for apprenticeships and internships for sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds. SB 317 makes an appropriation. 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 317 adds new material to Workforce Development to create the Youth Internship Opportunity Program (Program).
A. Provides Definitions as used in this section.
B. The Program is created in America's Job Centers New Mexico (Job Centers) under the direction of the local workforce development boards. The Program's purpose is to: (1) increase youth employment opportunities; (2) develop in-demand skills in industries such as health care, trades, information technology and agriculture; and (3) foster workforce readiness.
C. Internships or apprenticeships shall be registered with the applicable Job Center. 
D. Employers seeking participation in the Program shall submit a job description and meet eligibility requirements established by the applicable center in consultation with the local workforce development boards and the Workforce Solutions Department. 
E. Youths seeking participation in the Program shall apply through a process that prioritizes: (1) low-income or at-risk youth; (2) underserved populations; and (3) students enrolled in career technical education courses during the school year. 
F. Participants will be employees of the applicable Job Center to work on-site at an approved employer. The center shall match participants with eligible employers. 
G. Participants shall receive an hourly wage of between $15.00 to $17.00 per hour, paid biweekly for up to 400 hours. Biweekly wage statements shall be processed upon submission of completed timesheets and employer meetings with the participant's mentor or supervisor to verify progress. The Job Center shall provide worker's compensation for each participant. 
H. Participants are required to achieve measurable skills or certifications, and employers shall designate qualified mentors or supervisors for each participant. Employers shall ensure workplace safety and adhere to all state labor laws.
I. The Job Center shall: 
(1) track and monitor:
(a) participant progress and outcomes; (b) employer satisfaction; and (c) participants' achievement of learning objectives; 
(2) collect program data, as specified in this paragraph.
(3) routinely evaluate the Program to assess effectiveness and guide improvements; and
(4) submit annual reports to the governor and the legislature.
SECTION 2 appropriates $25,000,000 from the General Fund to the Workforce Solutions Department for expenditure in Fiscal Years 2025 through 2027 for America's Job Centers New Mexico to conduct youth internship opportunity programs. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of Fiscal Year 2027 shall revert to the General Fund.