Several pro-gun reform measures are on the move in this year’s thirty-day session which began on January 17th. Senate Bill 26, introduced by state Senator Bill Payne (R-Albuquerque) is legislation that would allow New Mexico residents to purchase long guns in non-contiguous states and residents of non-contiguous states to purchase long guns in New Mexico. This bill received an executive message from Governor Susana Martinez and has been ruled germane to the budget-only legislative session. SB 26 was referred first to the Senate Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) and then to the Senate Judiciary Committee; as this went to press, the bill was being considered by SPAC. NRA-ILA will continue to report on the progress of this bill – please check www.nraila.org for an update over the weekend. Be prepared to possibly contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB 26 early next week.
Governor Martinez also issued an executive message for House Bill 206 by state Representative Zach Cook (R-Ruidoso). This legislation would allow concealed handgun licensees to protect themselves in state parks. This is currently prohibited by departmental rule - the legislature never voted to restrict Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) when camping or visiting these areas. In an obvious attempt to slow down progress of the measure, House leadership has referred HB 206 to three committees: the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, the House Health and Government Affairs Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee. Please contact members of these committees and urge them to support and take quick action on HB 206. A list of committees and the lawmakers who serve on them can be found here.
Please also e-mail a quick note to Governor Martinez and thank her for messaging these two pro-Second Amendment bills. Contact information for Governor Martinez can be found by clicking here.
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