News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

On Monday, 3/3, two gun control bills will have their first committee hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee in Room 321 after the floor session ends in the afternoon (times can widely vary at this point in the legislative session) (Zoom Link). The ban on the sale or transfer of gas operated rifles, handguns, and shotguns, SB279, will receive it first committee hearing. The bill would also ban the sale or transfer of all magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, regardless of the firearm operation. Additionally, SB244, which would ban minors from possessing a firearm will also be heard. While there are some exemptions written into the bill, the very limited scope of when and how a firearm could be possessed by a minor could still end youth shooting sports and youth hunting in New Mexico. Additionally, the bill would make it a crime for a minor to use a firearm in self-defense or in the defense of others unless their parent or guardian was physically present next to them. This past Friday evening, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB507, the concealed carry law rewrite. There were two key amendments to the bill. First, the age to receive a permit was moved back to 21 from 19. Second, the reciprocity language removed from the Concealed Handgun Carry Act was added back. The reciprocity change was our primary concern with the bill. The language of the final amendments has not been publicly published yet, but we will continue to advocate on the bill to ensure it is a move in the right direction. Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Joseph Cervantes - (D) joseph.cervantes@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4861 Senator Katy M. Duhigg - (D) katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4270 Senator Mimi Stewart - (D) mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4734 Senator Peter Wirth - (D) peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4727 Senator Antonio Maestas - (D) antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4373 Senator Crystal Brantley - (R) crystal.brantley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4369 Senator Debbie O'Malley - (D) debbie.o'malley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4301 Senator Nicholas A. Paul - (R) nicholas.paul@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4395 Senator Anthony L. Thornton - (R) anthony.thornton@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4274