New Mexico's governor on Friday introduced a wide-ranging legislative proposal on gun control and toughening penalties for violent crimes, renewing a complex constitutional landscape in the wake of a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling expanding gun rights. I vowed to carve out a path.
The announcement by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democrat, puts public safety at the top of her priority list during the 30-day legislative session that begins Tuesday. The fast-paced session is limited to budget negotiations and initiatives selected by the governor.
“The constitutionality issues are starting to get very complicated in the area of gun violence,” Lujan Grisham said. “We intend to follow what is happening across the country and continue this effort. … Some may follow in our footsteps and build their own public safety corridors, thereby effectively creating Mexicans will also be safer.”
New Mexico governor's gun control order to be reconsidered by state Supreme Court
Gelman's proposal includes banning guns in public parks and playgrounds, and making violations punishable by felonies. This expands on the features of the Governor's ongoing public health emergency declaration related to gun violence and substance abuse.
Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks in Belen, New Mexico on August 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Gun advocates are challenging in federal court the governor's emergency order suspending the right to carry firearms in parks and playgrounds following a spate of deadly shootings in Albuquerque. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court is considering whether the governor overstepped his authority under state law.
Democratic lawmakers are calling for a 14-day waiting period for background checks for gun purchases and a minimum age of 21 for purchasing semi-automatic rifles and shotguns.
A proposal by Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe would impose new restrictions on assault-style weapons because they would reduce the ability of shooters to fire dozens of rounds per second and install new magazines to keep firing.
The list of more than 20 public safety bills, mostly proposed by Democratic lawmakers, includes gun safety measures, as well as bans on panhandling and restrictions on retail theft, including requiring local businesses to padlock clothing. It also includes the expansion of related criminal provisions. The proposal also includes felony charges against teachers and coaches who ignored hazing incidents following an alleged locker room assault involving a New Mexico basketball player.
With Republicans in the legislative minority vowing to oppose legislation that violates Second Amendment rights, the fate of gun control will depend on a handful of Democrats from parts of the state with strong gun ownership cultures. there is a possibility.
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Republican Senate Majority Leader Craig Baca, of Belen, said Friday's deliberations on crime “oppose several Second Amendment provisions targeting New Mexico gun owners who just want to protect themselves and their families.” “With the announcement of measures to do so, it has become a bipartisan development.”
