Contact Your Lawmakers In Opposition To Gun Control Measure
The New Mexico Legislature convened for the 2018 Regular Session on Tuesday, January 16. As we reported in December, gun control advocates in the Roundhouse have already introduced restrictive firearm-related legislation.
State Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Santa Fe) is sponsoring House Bill 17, similar to federal legislation proposed by anti-gun California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. His bill would make it a fourth degree felony to knowingly possess a firearm accessory or any other device, part or combination of parts that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm. The broad and overreaching provisions in HB 17 could potentially criminalize firearm modifications such as competition triggers, muzzle brakes, and ergonomic changes that are commonly done by law-abiding gun owners to make their firearms more suitable for self-defense, competition, hunting, or even overcoming disability.
The 2018 session is primarily a budget session, where fiscal matters of the state take priority and non-fiscal issues must receive a message from the governor in order to be considered during the 30-day session. Please contact your state lawmakers and Governor Susana Martinez and politely let them know you oppose House Bill 17.