NMSSA Legislative Update 3/15/23

 

We have less than three days left in the 2023 Legislative Session. What happens in the coming hours will determine what legislation passes, or fails to pass. Here are the bills we are tracking as the session comes to a close. If a bill is not listed here, it is not quite dead yet, but faces a narrow, uphill battle to pass. HB9: This bill is the one that passed and has been signed by the governor so far. This bill will charge a gun owner with a misdemeanor if a third-party minor uses their firearm to threaten or injure someone. There is a felony charge for the gun owner if a third-party minor uses their firearm to kill someone. The bill, in its final version, does not specify how a firearm must be stored, but instead allows for the method of storage be used as a defense for a gun owner charged with a crime under the bill.  HB100: The house version of a 14-day waiting period is still on the floor of the house waiting for a vote, but the governor is pushing hard to try to move the bill before the session comes to a close. Use this link to tell house members to oppose the bill. Even if you have contacted them before, we need you to do it again to keep up the pressure against the bill. SB44: This bill would ban the open or concealed carry of firearms within 100ft of a polling place. It has been sitting on the house floor for a few days now with no vote taken yet. SB427: This is the senate version of a 14-day waiting period. It has been sitting on the floor of the senate for several days now with no action taken yet. Use this link to tell members of the senate to oppose the bill. SB428: This bill would make it easier for the State or New Mexico or anti-gun groups to sue gun manufacturers or retailers in New Mexico. It will be in the House Judiciary Committee on 3/16 at 9:00am in Room 309 (Zoom Link).