New Mexico Republicans have warned that there is a likely possibility of Santa Fe's semi-automatic firearms ban law, and will turn law-abiding citizens into potential criminals, citing targeted gun types and new registration clauses.
The Gas Operation Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act (SB 279) prohibits the import, sale, possession of such guns, as well as “large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.”
A source familiar with the law also said that focusing on gas-operated firearms would allow supporters to target the AR-15 without naming them. The source added that “gas power” appears to be intended to suggest additional lethality if it actually refers to the use of spent gas from the casing to reset the gun's bolt for the next fire.
One of the bill's most vocal opponents told Fox News Digital that the bill is a hallmark of the “New Mexico Democrats' radical agenda,” with the left wing “ignoring the practical reality and constitutional protections that have been given to us all.”
New Mexico adults die of measles during outbreak
State Sen. R-Sandia Park said the bill would ban the typical magazines and weapons already owned by many New Mexicans, and that Democrats, including Gov. Michel Lejean Grisham, are “trying to stomp the second amendment in public safety guises.”
“The vague language of the bill risks making law-abiding gun owners a felony overnight,” the Lord said. “It's clear that this isn't just about safety. It's about control that is driven by the liberal tide that cleaned Santa Fe with unprecedented forces in 2025.”
However, the governor defended the bill and told Fox News Digital that it was a responsible move to protect the public, not an attack on Second Amendment rights.
“It simply regulates the most dangerous firearms and accessories that are disproportionately used in mass shooting,” said Lejean Grisham.
“The majority of handguns — what the Supreme Court calls “a typical self-defense weapon” is not regulated under this law. Current owners can maintain regulated gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines by submitting simple forms to local dealers rather than “gunlegas” as critics argue.
Lejean Grisham added that one admission through the Santa Fe roundhouse and other laws around the country are supported by judges of all political sways.
NM, Arizona and California have united against Trump deporting dreamers, officials say
“We believe this law is similarly a constitutional law and is necessary to protect New Mexicans,” she said.
State Senator John Brock R. Alamogordo was not convinced.
Bullock said the gun control bill was at the face value of what he called “the most liberal legislative meeting this state has ever seen.”
“This gas-operated semi-automatic firearm ban is enveloped in a vague language that passes too much power to determine which guns are made illegal by unelected officials,” he said.
Brock, along with his Lord, refused to attempt to fire each Lujean Grisham when he enacted a temporary public health order in 2024 to restrict the transport of firearms after a splate of gun violence in Albuquerque, said the bill reminded him of the situation.
“it is clear [Democrats] Brock said.
Click here to get the Fox News app
The American flag is reflected in the windows of the New Mexico State Capitol Roundhouse in Santa Fe on January 17, 2021. (Lus Crucisun News/Imaging)
Last week, National Gun Rights Association official Matthew Mammother posted a video delivering several Xerox-shaped boxes that he said were full of “thousands” petitions from New Mexicans opposed to the bill.
Meanwhile, Gail Armstrong of R-Socorro, the leader of the New Mexico House minority, said her caucus is working with Democrats on “real solutions” to gun violence and other concerns the bill is trying to deal with.
“This session addresses our healthcare shortages and tackles the invincible crisis our nation faces, rather than taking violent criminals out of our streets,” she said. “The Democrats have chosen to pursue a radical agenda at the expense of their constitutional rights.”
Fox News Digital requested comment from state Sen. Micaelita O'Malley, a sponsor on the bill's top list, but did not receive a reply by press time.
