New Mexico: Legislature Adjourns from Embattled Legislative Session

[Charlie T Waite]

Yesterday, the New Mexico Legislature adjourned from its short 2020 Legislative Session.  Despite strong opposition from NRA Members, Second Amendment supporters and law enforcement in New Mexico, anti-gun lawmakers proceeded to pass an extreme “Red Flag” firearm surrender bill.  Having bowed to out-of-state gun control organizations, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham prioritized this legislation and ignored the overwhelming calls, emails, and voices of opposition.

The substitute for Senate Bill 5 requires individuals to surrender firearms to law enforcement based on uncorroborated evidence that they are dangerous -- further, the measure allows for ex parte petitions, providing NO initial hearing for these individuals before a judge and NO access to mental health services or treatment before they lose their constitutional right to possess a firearm.  Further, individuals subject to these orders will be immediately included in the NICS database as prohibited persons until the order expires.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators and attended events in opposition to this extreme legislation.  Your continued action and vigilance are important to the ongoing fight in New Mexico to protect our Second Amendment rights.