New Mexico Governor Set to Sign Landmark Gun Control Legislation
– New Mexico is poised to enact sweeping changes to its gun laws as Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham plans to sign Senate Bill 17, dubbed the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act,” into law. The bill, which narrowly passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee on , after a contentious five-hour hearing, aims to restrict the sale of certain firearms and increase accountability for gun dealers.
The legislation represents a significant effort by Democratic lawmakers and the governor to address rising gun violence in the state, which currently has the third-highest gun death rate in the country. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, gun violence in New Mexico is increasing at a faster rate than the national average.
Senate Bill 17 will require licensed gun dealers to maintain detailed inventory records and implement enhanced security measures. A key component of the bill focuses on prohibiting the sale of certain types of firearms, though specific details regarding which firearms are included have been the subject of intense debate. The bill also seeks to address the issue of illegal gun trafficking and straw purchasing, practices law enforcement officials have linked to increased violence, including incidents involving youth and firearms in schools.
The path to passage has been far from smooth. The bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 21-17 and faced strong opposition during its time in the House committee. Opponents, including the National Rifle Association, voiced concerns that the legislation infringes upon Second Amendment rights. The Albuquerque Journal reported that the committee hearing included hours of emotional testimony from both supporters and opponents of the bill.
Regina Griego, lead with the New Mexico chapter of Moms Demand Action, stated that the bill is a “critical step toward making New Mexican communities safer.” She emphasized the need to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable for contributing to the flow of illegal guns into communities. “Governor Lujan Grisham is right: New Mexico gun violence is not inevitable, and neither is the unchecked behavior of gun dealers who profit while communities pay the price,” Griego said.
The bill’s passage comes as other states are taking divergent paths on gun control. Notably, Texas recently lowered restrictions on certain firearms, moving in the opposite direction of New Mexico. The contrast highlights the growing divide across the country regarding gun legislation.
While the bill’s supporters hail it as a vital step towards public safety, opponents remain steadfast in their opposition. The debate underscores the deeply entrenched and often polarized views surrounding gun control in the United States. The governor’s office has not yet announced a specific date for the bill signing, but We see expected to occur in the coming days.
The legislation’s impact on gun sales and crime rates in New Mexico will be closely monitored in the coming months and years. Advocates on both sides of the issue are preparing for a continued fight over gun policy in the state and across the nation.
