The State Parks Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is currently accepting public input on proposed amendments to Section 19.5.2.21 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, including a removal of the current ban on concealed handgun licensees carrying handguns in state parks. As you recall, state Representative Zach Cook (R-Ruidoso) sponsored, and Governor Susana Martinez (R) supported, legislation during this year's thirty day budget session to overturn this restriction - but opponents of the measure successfully stalled and prevented its passage. (NRA-ILA previously reported on this legislation here.) Now is your chance to weigh in on this important policy change to win back your right to protect yourself in state parks!
A copy of the proposed amendments can be accessed here. Here is what you can do to re-establish your self-defense rights in these recreational areas and achieve this long-overdue rule revision:
- Make plans to attend and speak in favor of the proposed rule change at the upcoming public hearing on Wednesday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Porter Hall (first floor) at the Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe. Written comments and arguments in support of these amendments may also be submitted at this time.
- Submit written comments backing this proposed rule change by emai to [email protected] or by USPS to April Alvarado, EMNRD State Parks Division, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 by no later than 5:00 p.m. October 31.
Policymakers need to hear from you TODAY! Don't let this opportunity to directly and positively affect your rights as a law-abiding carry license holder in New Mexico slip by.
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