Talk Continues of Special Session on Public Safety
Yesterday, Governor Lujan Grisham signed into law two gun control measures passed by the New Mexico Legislature during the recent 30-day session:
House Bill 129 by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) mandates a 7-day waiting period for all gun buyers who pass an FBI background check, excluding concealed handgun licensees, FFLs, law enforcement agencies, sales between two certified law enforcement officers, and transfers between immediate family members. This pointless restriction will have no impact on crime or prevent self-harm. The original bill called for a 14-day waiting period and had no exemptions other than sales to immediate family. The new law will take effect on May 15.
Senate Bill 5 by Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) creates 100ft “gun-free zones” around polling locations and ballot dropboxes during early voting and on election day, a proposal that criminals will ignore and will only serve to disarm law-abiding citizens. The House narrowly adopted an amendment to exclude voters who are concealed handgun licensees on a 35-34 vote. The Senate author agreed to accept that amendment and also addressed concerns brought forth by Second Amendment advocates about firearms in private vehicles and persons possessing firearms for non-election-related business in venues open to the public that also house a polling place. This new law also takes effect on May 15, during early voting for primary elections.
The governor continues to publicly contemplate calling a special session to address “public safety”, which could of course include more restrictions on your Second Amendment rights. Please use the button below to contact your state lawmakers, as well as legislative leadership, and tell them enough is enough - no more senseless gun control in any special session!
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth [email protected]
House Speaker Javier Martinez at [email protected]