The New Mexico Legislative Council Service’s draft policy seeks for a total ban on all firearms at the New Mexico Capitol for the upcoming legislative sessions, according to draft policies obtained by the Piñon Post.
The draft policies read, “All firearms, including concealed handguns, explosives or other dangerous weapons, are prohibited inside of the capitol, capitol north and Walter K. Martinez memorial walkway, with the exception of firearms carried by: (1) certified law enforcement officers engaged in the normal discharge of their duties; (2) uniformed armed services or military personnel engaged in the normal discharge of their duties; and (3) individuals with written permission from the speaker of the house of representatives or president pro tempore of the senate.”
Also written in the policy is that “All entrants to the capitol, capitol north and Walter K. Martinez memorial walkway are subject to screening for prohibited items. C. Anyone in violation of this policy is subject to removal from the capitol complex.”
The new policy appears to be a direct attack on New Mexicans who are utilizing their Second Amendment rights for self-defense. It bans citizens and legislators from protecting themselves while subjecting them to extreme screenings. It is unclear what expense the taxpayers will be forced to shell out for these increased “security” measures.
According to sources close to the situation, the policy was discussed with the “Facilities Management Committee” on Thursday, which is composed of majority and minority leaders of both houses.
One source contends that Senate Democrat Leader Peter Wirth claims the new policy is due to “the trauma people have lived through” because of the January 6 incursion of the U.S. Capitol.
The same pretext was used to keep the public out of the 2021 Legislative Session, where many radical bills were rammed through, with the public unable to get into the then-“People’s House.” At the time, an abortion up-to-birth bill was passed, a bill lining civil rights attorneys’ pockets while stripping qualified immunity for law enforcement, assisted suicide via lethal drugs, among other extreme left-wing measures.
According to the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA):
Executive session means this decision about your ability to protect yourself at the people’s state capitol building would take place behind closed doors without public input, participation or legislation. The next legislative session hasn’t even started and your Second Amendment rights are already under attack!
Executive session means this decision about your ability to protect yourself at the people’s state capitol building would take place behind closed doors without public input, participation or legislation. The next legislative session hasn’t even started and your Second Amendment rights are already under attack!
Please contact these legislative leaders and state lawmakers who serve on Legislative Council and tell them you strongly oppose this move!
Speaker Brian Egolf (D-HD 47)
505-986-4782
brian.egolf@nmlegis.govSenate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-SD 17)
505-397-8853
Contact Sen. Mimi StewartSenate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-SD 25)
505-397-8855
peter.wirth@nmlegis.govCommittee members (click on names for contact information):
Interim Committee – New Mexico Legislature (nmlegis.gov)
Republican House Leader Jim Townsend released the following statement:
It is unacceptable for an interim committee such as Legislative Council to make a decision that affects not just every legislator, but every resident of this state. This body has already given up its authority when it comes to the Legislature appropriating funds, now it is potentially going to infringe on the constitutional rights of every New Mexican, and bypassing duly elected legislators to do so.