§ 33-2-47 NMSA 1978

The state labor commissioner shall exercise the same supervision over conditions of employment for prisoners working under the inmate-release program as he does over conditions of employment for free persons. A prisoner working under the inmate-release program is not entitled to any benefits under the Employment Security Act [Unemployment Compensation Law] during the term of his sentence. No prisoner under the provisions of the inmate-release program is an agent, employee or involuntary servant of the penitentiary of New Mexico while attending school, working in private business or going to or from such assignment.