News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session is now over. Below is a recap of the session and what comes next. First, what passed? Two bills related to firearms and gun laws made it through and have been signed by the governor. HB8, which included the state-level ban on illegal "firearm conversion devices" in the crime omnibus bill. HB8 states: "Unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device consists of a person knowingly having in that person's possession an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device or knowingly transporting an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device." State prosecutors claimed they needed to have a state-level ban as federal prosecutors in New Mexico were declining to take cases regarding illegally obtained machine guns. The second bill, HB12, expanded New Mexico's red-flag gun confiscation law. The law now allows a police officer to initiate an order themselves and not wait for a family member to initiate the order. It also requires immediate surrender instead of within 48 hours in some petitions. Judges could already order an immediate surrender. The three bills that we were intently watching towards the end all failed to pass. SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine purchase and transfer ban stalled out in the Senate Finance Committee. The governor was pushing very hard to get the bill through the committee, hence why it was added to the agenda with just two days to go. But nonetheless, it was never brought up for a vote. The gun-store liability bill, SB318, was never brought up for a vote on the House Floor. The concealed carry act rewrite, SB507, met the same fate of never receiving a vote on the House Floor. But before the session had concluded, the governor already stated she wants to call a special session to pass gun control including a ban on semiautomatic rifles. She claimed it was in response to the shooting that occurred last night in Las Cruces, but she had been pushing very hard behind the scenes for SB279 this session even before that tragic incident happened. We don't know for sure if she will call a special session, but we note she has done it before. We will keep you updated on the status of a special session on gun control. The shooting that occurred in Las Cruces was tragic, several young people had their lives cut short and others are hospitalized now. But once again in New Mexico we are forced to witness the escalation of events when our justice system fails to intervene. There had already been outbursts of violence at these "street takeover" events that happened at this park in Las Cruces in recent months along with other criminal activity. The Las Cruces Police Chief Jermy Story spoke of a lack of accountability for criminal acts at a press conference earlier today. It is also worth noting that all shell casings recovered by police at the scene were from handguns. The young individual seen in images on social media carrying a rifle was not one of the shooters according to investigators.

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

SB318, the gun store liability bill that could put every gun store in NM out of business by enabling frivolous lawsuits against firearms industry companies, advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee today after a few amendments were made. The amendments were clarifying language suggested by the Attorney General's Office (New Mexico Department of Justice) and language from the House Judiciary Committee to expand liability to companies in other industries. The bill still singles out the firearms industry, but it is expanding the Unfair Trade Practices Act to more companies that sell products in New Mexico and increasing penalties for everyone. The next stop for the bill is the House Floor for a vote by all members of the New Mexico House of Representatives. If it passes the House side, it will have to go back to the Senate Floor for concurrence as the bill was amended. Despite being listed first on the agenda, SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban, wasn't heard in the Senate Finance Committee today in either of their meetings. The committee has no more meetings scheduled. It is possible the bill could be pulled from the committee and sent straight to the floor if it is going to have a vote by the full Senate in the closing hours of the 2025 Legislative Session. There is just a day and a half left in the 2025 Legislative Session. SB318 is being pushed very hard as it is seen as the best chance to pass a major gun-control law this session. Please continue to contact your representatives and senators and tell them to do everything they can to stop the bill.

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

After a floor vote on SB318 was delayed last Thursday, the bill was brought up again on the Senate Floor tonight for a vote and was passed 21 to 18. Numerous gun stores from around the state have told us the bill could put every gun store in New Mexico out of business. The bill accomplishes this by amending New Mexico's Unfair Trade Practices Act to make it easier to sue a gun store than any other type of business and imposing harsher penalties on gun stores than any other type of business. Further, the bill states: "proof of monetary damage, loss of profits or intent to deceive or take unfair advantage of any person is not required" to sue a gun store or manufacturer. Activist groups who hate the Second-Amendment would be given free rein to sue New Mexico gun stores until the stores are forced to close. No other state in the country targets gun stores in this extreme manner. The bill now heads to the House Side. We expect it will stop in the House Judiciary Committee first, followed by a floor vote if it passes that committee. We have only days left in the 2025 Legislative Session, so we must act quickly if we are going to stop SB318. First, the contact info for House Judiciary Committee Members is at the bottom of this email. Second, find and contact your state representative, and tell them to oppose SB318. The 2025 Session ends at noon on Saturday, so this will be sprint to the end. Here is a quick rundown of the other bills we are tracking now. SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban is still sitting in the Senate Finance Committee and has not moved in over a week. HB12, the red-flag gun confiscation law expansion has passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor. The courts will ultimately be where this type of law will have to be fought. SB507, the concealed carry act rewrite will be in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow, 3/19, after passing the Senate side. House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler - (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero - (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Javier Martínez - (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen - (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Andrea Reeb - (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski - (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Michelle Paulene Abeyta - (D) michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Nicole Chavez - (R) nicole.chavez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 William A. Hall II - (R) bill.hall@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4336 Dayan Hochman-Vigil - (D) dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Alan T. Martinez - (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

While SB279, the gas-operated firearm and magazine ban, has been idling in the Senate Finance committee for a week, SB318 has been fast-tracked in Santa Fe. The bill could put every gun store in New Mexico out of business by amending New Mexico's Unfair Trade Practices Act to make it easier to sue a gun store than any other type of business and imposing harsher penalties on gun stores than any other type of business. Further, the bill states: "proof of monetary damage, loss of profits or intent to deceive or take unfair advantage of any person is not required" to sue a gun store. Activist groups who hate the Second-Amendment would be given free rein to sue New Mexico gun stores until they were forced to close. No other state in the country targets gun stores in this extreme manner, but trial attorneys who have a grip on the New Mexico Legislature have put gun stores in their sights looking for a payday. What can you do right now? First, find and contact your state legislators, and tell them to oppose SB318 as it is on the Floor of the Senate with a vote by all State Senators scheduled for tomorrow. Second, forward this message to anyone, especially FFLs who need to be aware of what is happening in Santa Fe right now.

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

News From New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

As we near the half-way point of the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session, here is a recap of last week and what to expect this week. The most notable event was the inclusion of the "weapon conversion device" ban into the omnibus crime bill, HB8. Several bills were combined into the new bill in the House Judiciary Committee. The new committee substitute bill was then quickly sent to the floor and passed on a vote of 48-20 with several Republicans voting for the bill. Below is the modified language that passed the house. "Unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device consists of a person knowingly having in that person's possession an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device or knowingly transporting an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device... "weapon conversion device" means a part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon." The bill now heads to the Senate, the committee assignments have yet to be announced. HB12, the red-flag gun confiscation expansion bill was left out of HB8, despite some lobbying to include it from the bill's sponsors. That bill has been awaiting action by the House Floor for over a week now. It is possible that it could be brought up for a vote any day, so it is imperative to continue to keep up the pressure against the bill. The gun control bills introduced on the Senate side have yet to be brought up in their first respective committees. SB255, expanding the criminalization of private firearms transfers is sitting in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. SB279, the semiautomatic rifle and magazine ban, as well as SB244, making a crime for a minor to possess a firearm, are both awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB318, which could allow activists to sue gun stores in New Mexico out of existence, is in the Senate Tax, Business & Transporation Committee. We will send an alert when these bills are scheduled for a committee hearing. HB202, the gun safe tax credit bill is schedule for a hearing in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee tomorrow on Monday February 17. As we approach the critical half-way point of the session, the pace of bills moving through committees will pick up. Be on the lookout for more frequent updates, and please make sure you are sharing our updates with everyone who could be impacted by potential legislation in Santa Fe.

News From The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

 

Three new gun control bills have been filed, including one of the bills we have been anticipating. First, SB279, a ban on the sale or transfer of semiautomatic rifles was filed today. The bill would also ban the sale or transfer of all magazines that hold more than ten rounds. The first stop for the bill will be the Senate Judiciary Committee. Second, SB244, a ban on minors possessing firearms with exemptions was filed. That bill is also before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Third, SB255, modifies New Mexico's private firearm sale background check law to attempt to create criminal liability for social media companies or websites that "facilitate" unlawful firearm transfers. That bill has been sent to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.  Tomorrow, Wednesday 2/5, HB12, the expansion of New Mexico's "red-flag" gun confiscation law will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee. Here is a pre-written email to send to committee members asking them to oppose the bill. The meeting is at 1:30pm in Room 309 (Zoom link). On Friday, 2/7, the House Judiciary Committee will be hearing HB38, the "weapon conversion device" ban. The meeting will be at 1:30pm in Room 309 as well (Zoom link). Today, in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, HB83, permitless concealed carry, was tabled on a party-line vote. Those voting against the bill didn't debate the bill or ask questions of the sponsor, Representative Block. Finally, yesterday in the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee, HB202, the gun safe tax credit bill, was unanimously passed. The next stop for the bill is the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. 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

What A Liar!

Recently, Mark Zuckerberg said the following:

Zuckerberg: "We're going to get rid of fact-checkers and replace them with community notes, similar to X."

Well, he speaks with a lying forked tongue. This morning, I posted an email from Zac Fort of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association at the Facebook Page, Patriots Unite. It was approved by the page's administrator. It was about upcoming gun control legislation at Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Then, I get a notice that it was removed as it supposedly "violated" Facebook Community Standards on spam. 

Here's the notice:

Immediately, I filed a protest on this. 

It also has been shared at X. No problems have arisen there on the posting. 

When it comes to Facebook and Zuckerberg, as I said before, "I have to see it to believe it!"

Gun Control Bills are Being Filed In Santa Fe

From Zac Fort of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association:

 

The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session starts on January 21, but pre-filing of bills is already underway and anti-gun politicians are wasting no time in filing bills that impact your rights. HB12, a repeat of a failed bill last year, would expand New Mexico's "red-flag" gun confiscation law to expand who can file for a gun confiscation order and require the defendant's firearms must be surrendered immediately instead of within 48 hours.  HB38, would make it a felony to own a "weapon conversion device." The bill is just two pages of ambiguous language that is not clear what would actually be banned, despite the felony charge for possession of a "part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon." A new concept that has been introduced, HB39, would seek to include more juvenile records in a NICS check in New Mexico.  Unfortunately, this is just the start. We are expecting more than a dozen bills to be introduced by February 20 - the last day to file bills for the 2025 Session.

NMSSA Legislative Update 2/14

 

The clock on the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session is quickly counting down to sine die. Here is the latest on where anti-gun bills stand. Late Monday night, the concurrence vote for HB129, the 7-day firearm purchase waiting period bill, passed on the same lines as the original vote in the House. The bill contains an exception for New Mexico concealed carry permit holders who will not have to wait 7 days to take their firearm home with them. The bill now heads to the governor's desk. Last night, SB5, the polling place gun ban, was debated on the House Floor. Representative Rehm proposed an amendment to exempt New Mexico concealed carry permit holders with their lawfully concealed firearms from the ban. After much debate, the amendment was adopted by a vote of 35-34. After further debate, the bill was passed by the same margin of 35-34. One Democrat voted for both the amendment and the final passage of the bill. You can see the final vote here. Because it was amended, it now heads back to the Senate side for concurrence. The bill's author, Senator Wirth, was previously adamant that he didn't want an exemption for concealed carry in the bill. Whether the bill is concurred by the Senate, or amended back to its original form is something we will be carefully watching in the closing hours of this session. No other gun control bills have moved since this weekend. It is always possible they could try to ram something through right at the end, but there isn't a lot of time to do it. Nevertheless, we will keep fighting these bills until the end.

NMSSA Legislative Update 2/10

 

After being delayed a day, HB129, the 7-day firearm purchase waiting period bill, was voted on by the full State Senate today. An amendment was offered on the floor to exempt victims of domestic violence with a court-issued order of protection against a perpetrator in place from having to wait 7 days to receive a firearm, but it was rejected. The bill passed by a vote of 23-18 with four Democrats joining all Republicans in voting against the bill - one Republican was absent. Because the bill went through amendments on the Senate side after passing the House Side, it now will return to the House Floor for a concurrence vote. SB5, the polling place gun ban, passed the House Judiciary Committee on Friday on a party-line vote. The bill bans carrying a firearm, both open and concealed, at and near a polling place. The next stop for the bill is the House Floor for a vote by all members of the House.. This morning, SB204, the parks and playgrounds gun ban, passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on a party-line vote. The bill now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The House Floor is now the key to stopping gun control bills this session. The anti-gun bills that are the furthest along are all located there now. It is imperative that we continue to contact our Representatives and tell them to vote to protect our rights and reject these bills.. We update the recipients of the following pre-written emails as the bills move through the legislature, so please continue to use them to contact legislators: Oppose HB27, Oppose HB114, Oppose HB 127, Oppose HB129, Oppose HB137, and Oppose SB5. Thanks to our partners at Better Together NM who work with us on these alerts.

NMSSA Legislative Update 1/31

 

Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed both HB127, the under-21 semiautomatic firearm possession ban, and HB137, the semiautomatic firearm and magazine sales ban and registry of currently owned semiautomatic firearms, on party-line votes. Also today, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB69, the Senate version of a 14-day firearm waiting period on a party-line vote. With today's committee votes, HB27, HB114, HB127, HB129, HB137, and SB69 are all waiting for floor votes by their respective chambers. The importance of stopping these bills on the floor cannot be understated. We will not have an opportunity to testify on these bills during floor debate, but we must let all representatives and senators know we oppose the bills. We are holing a Rally at the Capitol this Saturday at 10am to use our First-Amendment rights to advocate for our Second-Amendment rights. We update the recipients of the following pre-written emails as the bills move through committees, so please continue to use them to contact legislators. Oppose HB27, Oppose HB114, Oppose HB 127, Oppose HB129, Oppose HB137, Oppose SB5, Oppose SB69, Oppose SB90, Oppose SB204, and Oppose SJR12. Thanks to our partners at Better Together NM who work with us on these alerts.

2nd Amendment Rally Saturday In Santa Fe

Above, Zac Fort of the NMSSA addresses the 2020 Second
Amendment Rally at the State Capitol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming Saturday, the Second Amendment Rally will take place at the State Capitol in Santa Fe at 10:00 am. 

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and plenty of concerned citizens will attend to support our Second Amendment rights.

Here's the official flyer:

 

NMSSA Legislative Update 1/30

 

Tomorrow, 1/31, the House Judiciary Committee will hear HB127, the under-21 gun ban, and HB137, the semiautomatic firearm and magazine ban and registry. Under HB127, those under 21 would not be allowed to keep their currently owned semiautomatic firearms and would be forced to sell or destroy them. HB137 would be the most restrictive ban on guns anywhere in the country if it is passed, banning the sale both semiautomatic rifles, semiautomatic handguns, and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Current owners would be allowed to keep their guns and magazines under the bill, but they would be required them with the state. The meeting is scheduled for 1:30pm in Room 309 (zoom link). Here are pre-written emails to ask legislators to Oppose HB 127 and Oppose HB137. Also tomorrow, 1/31, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear SB69, the Senate version of a 14-day firearm waiting period. That meeting starts after the Senate afternoon floor session in Room 321 (zoom link). Another version of a tax credits for gun safe purchases has been introduced. HB266 will be heard in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee tomorrow, 1/31, scheduled for 1:30pm in Room 317 (zoom link) SB5 was voted on by the full State Senate today. The bill would ban firearms, both open and concealed, at polling places and within 100 ft. of a polling place, unless the carrier of the firearm was doing other business by the polling place. An amendment was offered to exempt concealed carry permit holders, but it was rejected. The final vote was 26-16 with Senator Hemphill joining with Republicans to oppose the bill. The bill now heads to the House side. HB144, which would create an "Office of Gun Violence Prevention" was passed on party lines by the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee this afternoon. We are certainly not opposed to collecting data on crimes in New Mexico, but the bill instead would give the governor another political weapon to use against lawful firearm ownership. We update the recipients of the following pre-written emails as the bills move through committees, so please continue to use them to contact legislators. Oppose HB27, Oppose HB129, Oppose HB114, Oppose SB5, Oppose SB69, Oppose SB90, Oppose SB204, and Oppose SJR12. House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler - (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero - (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 William "Bill" R. Rehm - (R) bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 Eliseo Lee Alcon - (D) eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4416 Gail Chasey - (D) gail@gailchasey.com 505-986-4777 Ryan Lane - (R) RYAN@LANEFORLIBERTY.COM 505-986-4758 Javier Martínez - (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen - (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Representative Jared Hembree - (R) jared.hembree@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758 Andrea Reeb - (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski - (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 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 Cliff R. Pirtle - (R) cliff.pirtle@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4369  Senator Gregory A. Baca - (R) greg.baca@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4877 Senator Daniel A. Ivey-Soto - (D) daniel.ivey-soto@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4267 Senator Mark Moores - (R) mark.moores@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4877 Senator Bill B. O'Neill - (D) BILL@BILLONEILL4NM.COM 505-986-4260 Senator Mimi Stewart - (D) mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4734 Senator Peter Wirth - (D) peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4727 House Commerce and Economic Development Doreen Y. Gallegos - (D) doreen.gallegos@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4329 Linda Serrato - (D) linda.serrato@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4243 Joshua N. Hernandez - (R) joshua.hernandez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4221 Janelle Anyanonu - (D) Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4464 Mark Duncan - (R) Mark.Duncan@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 Derrick J. Lente - (D) derrick.lente@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4420 Charlotte Little - (D) Charlotte.Little@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Patricia A. Lundstrom - (D) patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4249 Alan T. Martinez - (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4220 Jimmy G. Mason - (R) Jimmy.Mason@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4226 Marian Matthews - (D) marian.matthews@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4438