New Mexico lawmakers advance bills on attorney fees, cost of living

A bill aimed at increasing attorney fees for workers' compensation cases in New Mexico has passed unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee, addressing long-standing caps that have not changed since 2013. Sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon, the bill proposes to raise the cap on attorney fees to $30,000 initially, with a gradual increase to $34,000 by 2029. While proponents argue this change improves access to justice for injured workers, critics, including insurance representatives, warn it could raise costs for employers and drive up premiums. Additionally, lawmakers are discussing a separate bipartisan bill to reform medical malpractice laws, which seeks to address high insurance rates that have led to a shortage of healthcare providers in the state. Both initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to balance fair compensation with economic viability in a challenging business environment. As the legislative session progresses, these bills will be closely monitored for their potential impact on New Mexico's economy and healthcare landscape.