Firearms

Semi-auto ban, red flag expansion, and more: See the status of these gun grabs

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session reaches its halfway point, several pieces of anti-gun legislation are making their way through the state legislature, with some bills gaining traction while others remain stalled.

The most significant recent development was the passage of the “weapon conversion device” ban as part of the omnibus crime bill, HB8. This bill, which was altered and pushed through the House Judiciary Committee, was quickly advanced to the House floor, where it passed on a 48-20 vote. Notably, several Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the measure.

According to the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA), HB8 now contains the following provision:

“Unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device consists of a person knowingly having in that person’s possession an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device or knowingly transporting an unlawfully obtained weapon conversion device… ‘weapon conversion device’ means a part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.”

With the House’s approval, HB8 now heads to the Senate, although committee assignments for the bill have not yet been announced.

Meanwhile, HB12, which seeks to expand New Mexico’s red-flag gun confiscation law, was notably left out of HB8. According to NMSSA, efforts were made by the bill’s sponsors to include it in the omnibus legislation, but they were unsuccessful. HB12 has now been awaiting action on the House floor for over a week. NMSSA warns that it could be brought up for a vote at any time and is urging continued opposition to the measure.

Several anti-gun bills introduced in the Senate remain in committee and have yet to see movement. These include:

  • SB255, which would expand the criminalization of private firearms transfers, is currently sitting in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.
  • SB279, a proposed ban on semiautomatic rifles and magazines, as well as SB244, which would make it a crime for a minor to possess a firearm, both waiting for hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • SB318, which could allow anti-gun activists to sue gun stores in New Mexico out of existence,was assigned to the Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee.

As for pro-gun legislation, HB202, which would establish a tax credit for the purchase of gun safes, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee on Monday, February 17. The bill aims to encourage safe firearm storage by offering financial incentives to gun owners who invest in secure storage solutions.

With the pace of the legislative session picking up, NMSSA warns that more bills could advance quickly through committees in the coming days. The organization continues to urge Second Amendment supporters to stay vigilant, share information, and engage in the legislative process to oppose the proposed restrictions.

As the debate over gun legislation intensifies in Santa Fe, the fate of these bills will likely come down to key votes in the coming weeks, making citizen engagement and legislative scrutiny more critical than ever.

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Hero GOP senator ensures Heinrich’s bump stock ban bill fails miserably

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On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s attempt to ban so-called “bump stocks,” claiming the accessory turns rifles  into “automatic weapons.”

He said, “I know there are those who say, ‘Guns don’t kill people; people kill people,’” adding, “But the reality is this: Bump stocks kill and injure hundreds.”

Heinrich, who claims to have used guns for hunting, sport, and self-defense (despite not knowing the difference between an elk and a bighorn sheep), stated, “Bump stocks serve no legitimate purpose.”

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that bump stocks should not be banned, per a previous federal decision.

Heinrich urged his colleagues to pass the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act through unanimous consent, a method that allows a measure to pass as long as no senator objects. 

However, Sen. Pete Ricketts from Nebraska objected on behalf of Republicans, labeling it a “show vote,” which it was.

Ricketts argued, “The majority leader knows this bill will not pass. It won’t pass because enough people in this building still believe in the Constitution, and the Constitution affords Americans the right to own a firearm. This vague, overreaching bill directly infringes upon that right.”

Heinrich stressed the supposed urgency of congressional action, declaring, “We need to pass this ban on bump stocks right away.”

Despite the measure failing miserably, Heinrich vowed that this issue would not disappear from the Senate’s agenda, asserting that the BUMP Act is a measure of “commonsense gun safety legislation,” which by definition goes against the U.S. Constitution, which Heinrich swore to uphold.

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MLG continues anti-gun crusade, divulges gun grabs she wants passed

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Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham held a press conference on Monday renewing her anti-gun public health order to snatch as many guns as possible from the law-abiding populous. The governor erroneously claimed her order was effective. 

Lujan Grisham highlighted more arrests in Bernalillo County since the implementation of the public health order, with nearly half of them being drug-related. The administration reported a hike in guns snatched, totaling 219, including 90 in November alone, with 13 confiscated from a single suspect. The governor applauded these efforts, stating that hundreds of guns had been taken off the streets.

Lujan Grisham revealed in the presser that 87 juveniles were detained for possible gun-related crimes. She used a tragic shooting at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, where a 16-year-old lost his life just three days before the announcement, as cover for her anti-gun orders.

Lujan Grisham stressed the need for a crackdown on those selling guns to minors, advocating for measures to interrupt these transactions and hold perpetrators accountable. She also claimed the success of gun buyback events, where the public voluntarily surrendered hundreds of firearms.

“We can agree with the Governor, crime is out of control. It is certainly interesting that when you let law enforcement do their job, New Mexicans can see how out of control crime has become these past few years. Thank a law enforcement officer today for doing their job despite so many politicians being against them,” wrote House GOP Leader Ryan Lane in a statement.

Looking ahead, Lujan Grisham revealed her priorities for upcoming bills during the legislative session, which include trying to pass a New Mexico version of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich’s extremist anti-gun bill that will ban most rifles.

“Let’s try that vehicle in our own assault weapons ban in New Mexico because one thing that I have that the senator doesn’t have is I’ve got a set of lawmakers that are more likely than not to have a fair debate about guns, gun violence, weapons of war and keeping New Mexicans safe than members of Congress are,” she said.

“I feel pretty good about our ability here,” Lujan Grisham added, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. “We’ll have to see how those votes all shake out, but I think that that’s a game-changer for a lot of places, including New Mexico, so expect to see that on my call.”

She added that the “ courts don’t know where they are given the Second Amendment, and it gets really dicey, complicated, messy, so we just keep ignoring it…. Well, Senator Heinrich didn’t.”

The governor also wants to bring back changes to the state’s “red flag” law, among other anti-gun measures.

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Legislative committee previewing anti-gun bills Tuesday

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On Tuesday, the Legislative Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), will preview anti-gun bills that will be reintroduced in the 2024 Legislative Session, along with new proposals that could be brought forth.

Starting at 8:35 a.m., the committee, which is meeting in Mescalero at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, will have a two-hour discussion on the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen U.S. Supreme Court case, which struck down anti-gun laws in the Empire State.

Then, the Committee will discuss proposed anti-gun laws, including banning what they deem “assault weapons,” mandating new higher age restrictions for firearm purchases, imposing waiting periods, increasing background check requirements, attacking gun manufacturers for gun-related incidents, and more.

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grsham’s staff will attend to discuss her gun-grabbing bills plans.

The meeting will not include a slot for public comment, and the Committee’s chairman explicitly noted that he did not invite pro-gun advocates, such as the National Rife Association or Gun Owners of America. However, the anti-gun group, the Giffords Law Center, will be prominently featured.

Pro-gun legislators, including Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) will be in attendance, as well as other pro-gun committee members.

To access the Committee’s agenda, click here. To join the webcast, click here. 

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NM Dems waste no time politicizing tragedy in Farmington

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On Monday, a shooter opened fire in Farmington, armed with what appears to be a Glock pistol, and killed at least four while injuring two police officers.

“Farmington Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico State Police are on scene investigating an incident involving an active shooter in Farmington. At this time, the details we have are that multiple officers from the Farmington Police Department were involved in an officer involved shooting. One suspect was confronted and killed on scene. The suspect’s identity is unknown and there are no other known threats at this time. Two officers were shot, one from the Farmington Police Department and one from New Mexico State Police, both currently at San Juan Regional Medical Center being treated for their injuries and in stable condition. There are multiple civilian victims with at least 3 deceased,” the Farmington Police Department wrote.

One video by someone who says he was shot at appears to show the shooter in action outside of First Church of Christ, Scientist, on North Dustin Avenue in Farmington. (CAUTION — Explicit language): 

Despite no clear details available, Democrats almost immediately resoundingly politicized the tragedy and demanded more anti-gun laws.

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote in a statement posted on Twitter, “I am deeply upset by the tragic violence that unfolded today in Farmington. I am praying for the families of the victims, the wounded and the entire community of Farmington following this horrific tragedy. I’m also grateful for the quick response by law enforcement. My administration will not stop fighting the epidemic of gun violence from every angle possible.”

New Mexico’s entirely Democrat U.S. congressional delegation released a joint statement demanding gun grabs. 

“Although Congress took major action to combat gun violence last year through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, today is a painful reminder that we must do more. We are committed to fighting for sensible gun safety measures that will keep New Mexicans safe,” wrote the Democrats. 

The Democrat Party of New Mexico wrote, “Yet again, we see how the pervasiveness of gun violence threatens every community. As Democrats, we will continue working toward commonsense gun safety reform that confronts our nation’s gun violence epidemic to make neighborhoods safer in New Mexico and across the country.” 

In contrast, Republicans focused on the families of those slain and thanked the law officers who put themselves in the line of duty to help eliminate the threat.

The New Mexico House Republican Caucus wrote, “House Republicans are closely monitoring the tragedy out of Farmington. Senseless violence has become a norm for many New Mexico communities and we continue to call on the Legislature to seriously address out of control crime with common sense reforms, mental health support, and supporting law enforcement in New Mexico. We share our condolences and grief with the victims of this tragedy and all law enforcement involved.”

Police kill Farmington shooter who killed at least 4, injured 2 officers

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Police kill Farmington shooter who killed three, injured two officers

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On Monday, a gunman killed at least three people and injured two law enforcement, according to the Farmington Police Department.

“At this time, the details we have are that multiple officers from the Farmington Police Department were involved in an officer involved shooting. One suspect was confronted and killed on scene,” read a news release from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

The officers are in stable condition at San Juan Regional Medical Center, police said. 

According to The Washington Post, “The shooting shut down a half-mile of Dustin Avenue, between Ute and Apache streets.” 

“A gunman killed at least three people and injured two law enforcement officers Monday in northern New Mexico, the Farmington Police Department said.” 

Farmington Municipal Schools were in “preventative lockdowns” for at least two hours while police responded to the shooting.

A previous report based upon inaccurate reporting from KRQE News 13 incorrectly stated four people had been killed when the actual number, according to reports, is three.

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Many Dem anti-gun bills facing likely death as legislature wraps up

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As of Thursday, the New Mexico House and Senate have passed one anti-gun bill that has been sent to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for a signature — H.B. 9 felonizing New Mexicans who do not lock up their guns.

However, other anti-gun bills are waiting in the legislature waiting for either the House or Senate to take action.

S.B. 44, sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), bans citizens from carrying a firearm within 100 feet of a polling place during an election, including absentee ballot drop boxes. There are no exceptions for concealed carry or for having a firearm in one’s car within 100 feet of that polling location. The bill has passed through the Senate but still awaits action by the House to approve it.

S.B. 428 by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Doña Ana), which targets firearm retailers and manufacturers, is an “attempt to circumvent the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act through New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act. The bill would try [to] make it easier to sue a firearm manufacturer or retailer in New Mexico,” according to the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association. The bill would still need to advance from House Judiciary Committee and then be passed by the full House, which is unlikely. 

H.B. 100 and 101 by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) have yet to advance to the full House. H.B. 101, which is to mandate a 14-day waiting period before firearm purchases, has not been scheduled for a floor vote. 

H.B. 100, which would make most New Mexico gun owners felons by labeling their firearms over 10-round capacities “assault weapons,” has not been scheduled for House Judiciary Committee. Due to the late date, it is likely dead since it has not even passed through one house. 

A similar bill in the Senate, S.B. 427 By Cervantes and Romero, has yet to pass through the full Senate.

S.B. 116 by Sen. Carrie Hamblen (D-Doña Ana) would mandate a person must be 21 to purchase a firearm. The bill is still stuck in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is likely dead since it has not even passed through the full Senate chamber yet.

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 12:00 noon, the 2023 Legislative Session will end, where the final results will show if Democrats can successfully ram through any other anti-gun bill before the clock runs out. 

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Dem anti-gun bill heads to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s desk for a signature

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On Wednesday, the New Mexico House of Representatives concurred with changes to an anti-gun bill that were made in the state Senate, sending H.B. 9 by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo) to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk.

The bill would force citizens to lock up their firearms in “a gun safe or a device that prevents a firearm from being discharged or from being used to expel a projectile by the action of an explosion or a device other than a gun safe that locks a firearm and is designed to prevent children and unauthorized users from firing a firearm, which device may be installed on a firearm, be incorporated into the design of the firearm or prevent access to the firearm.”

If the gun owner does not lock up any and all firearms and their gun is somehow used in an offense by a minor causing “great bodily harm” or death, the parent of that child could be made a felon if the victim of the crime is killed or permanently disabled.

The bill included an amendment from the state Senate that created an exception for minors who have the “authorization of the minor’s parent or guardian for lawful hunting, lawful recreational use or any other lawful purpose.” The “lawful purpose” language would likely keep some people out of jail for not following the vague and confusing law.

It is unclear how the bill if signed, would be enforced since it is a reactionary piece of legislation based on if someone is harmed or killed by a weapon. 

The bill passed on a 34-28 vote with Democrat Reps. Ambrose Castellano of Ribera, Harry Garcia of Grants, Tara Jaramillo of Socorro, Patricia Lunstrom of Gallup, Willie Madrid of Chaparral, and Joseph Sanchez of Alcalde voting alongside all Republicans against concurrence.

Other anti-gun bills have not advanced as far as H.B. 9, but with fewer than nine days left in the legislative session, the likelihood of their passage declines significantly.

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Radical anti-gun bill one hurdle away from becoming law

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On Friday, the state Senate passed H.B. 9, an extreme piece of legislation that would force New Mexicans to lock up their firearms in “a gun safe or a device that prevents a firearm from being discharged or from being used to expel a projectile by the action of an explosion or a device other than a gun safe that locks a firearm and is designed to prevent children and unauthorized users from firing a firearm, which device may be installed on a firearm, be incorporated into the design of the firearm or prevent access to the firearm.”

If the gun owner does not lock up any and all firearms and their gun is somehow used in an offense by a minor causing “great bodily harm” or death, the parent of that child could be made a felon if the victim of the crime is killed or permanently disabled.

As noted by even some Democrats in the chamber during a July 2022 preview of the bill, it would be the first crime proposal to base a defendant’s sentence not on their own actions but that of someone else (a minor) who got ahold of a firearm. 

The bill does not, however, include provisions protecting the gun owner if the firearm was stolen, nor does it account for the de-facto tax it burdens the owner with being forced to find a new locking device to place it at all times. The bill is also blatantly unconstitutional.

The Senate amended the bill to add an exception for children hunting, but it would still require locking up the gun at nearly all times. Other amendments were also made. 

All Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Benny Shendo, Jr. (D-Jemez Pueblo), voted against the bill. The final tally for the bill was 24-16.

It now goes back to the House for concurrence since it was amended in the upper chamber. If it passes the House for concurrence, it will go to the governor’s desk for a signature. Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has already signaled she will sign it into law.

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Senate committee shoots down extreme anti-gun bill

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On Monday, the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee tabled 6-3 an extreme anti-gun bill, S.B. 171, by Sen. William Soules (D-Doña Ana). 

According to the bill’s fiscal impact report, it would have prohibited “the manufacture, sale, barter, trade, gift, transfer or acquisition of… Assault pistols; Automatic firearms; Rifles with barrel lengths less than 16 inches; Shotguns with barrel lengths less than 18 inches; Mufflers, silencers, or devices for deadening or muffling the sound of discharged firearms; Any type of ammunition or any projectile component thereof coated with Teflon or any other similar coating designed primarily to enhance its capabilities to penetrate metal or pierce protective armor; and Any type of ammunition or any projectile component thereof designed or intended to explode or segment upon impact with its target.” 

The panel’s chairman Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Doña Ana), joined all Republicans and Sens. Bill O’Neill and Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque) in tabling the bill.

After the bill was defeated, Senate Republican Leader Sen. Greg Baca wrote in a press release, “Like most of the gun bills being considered this Session, Senate Bill 171 needlessly targets law-abiding citizens and threatens them with a felony for exercising their Second Amendment right.”

The committee’s overwhelming rejection of the extreme ant-gun bill could be a sign that another extreme attack on the Second Amendment, H.B. 101 by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), could die. The bill would make most New Mexican gun owners felons by banning nearly all firearms over ten rounds.

H.B. 101 previously passed the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee on a party-line vote and awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. If it survives that committee, it would then need to pass the entire House and the Senate, where it is likely to die in Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Also on Monday, the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee advanced a bill along party lines to ban firearms within 100 feet of polling places. This would include ballot drop boxes and ban concealed carry at the polls.

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