House Sends Firearm Waiting Period Bill to Governor

House votes to accept Senate’s amendments to House Bill 129

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives approved Senate changes to House Bill 129 by a vote of 36-32 in a legislative process known as concurrence, whereby amendments made by the Senate must be voted on by the House before it can head to the Governor for a signature. 

HB 129 would institute a 7-day waiting period between when an individual purchases and takes ownership of a firearm. This would help reduce gun violence, including suicides and mass shootings, by giving law enforcement more time to run background checks.

The approved Senate amendments would exempt concealed carry permit holders, federal firearms license holders, and law enforcement officers from the waiting period, and allow a seller to transfer a firearm to a buyer if a federal background check has not been completed within 20 days.   

“By instituting this waiting period between purchasing and acquiring firearms, we can prevent temporary moments of crisis from becoming tragedies and save lives,” said lead sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). “Having a waiting period on the books will also help law enforcement make sure firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands by providing more time to run background checks.”

Both amendments were proposed by Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), a co-sponsor of HB 129. The bill now heads to the Governor to be signed into law. Other sponsors include Reps. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), and Senator Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque). 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2024 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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