On February 22, 2026, the New Mexico Legislature made significant strides in workers' compensation reform by passing a series of new laws aimed at better protecting workers and streamlining the claims process.One of the key changes in the new laws is the establishment of a Workers' Compensation Advisory Board, which will be responsible for overseeing the program and ensuring that both workers and employers are treated fairly in the event of a workplace injury. The board will also have the authority to review and approve rate changes for workers' compensation insurance, with the goal of keeping costs manageable for businesses while still providing adequate coverage for employees.Another important change is the expansion of benefits for injured workers. Under the new laws, workers will now be entitled to receive up to 70% of their average weekly wage in benefits, up from the previous limit of 60%. Additionally, the duration of time that workers can receive benefits has been extended to a maximum of 500 weeks, providing a greater level of financial security for those who are unable to return to work due to their injuries.In addition to these changes, the new laws also aim to simplify the claims process for injured workers. Employers will now be required to report workplace injuries to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board within 24 hours, and injured workers will have access to a streamlined appeals process in the event that their claim is denied.Overall, these new laws represent a significant step forward in ensuring that workers in New Mexico are protected in the event of a workplace injury. By expanding benefits, creating oversight mechanisms, and simplifying the claims process, the state is taking important strides towards creating a fair and efficient workers' compensation system for all residents.