JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Public Safety Bill Passes House Floor

Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed House Bill 306 with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 62-3. House Bill 306 would prevent felons from using a loophole to gain access to firearms. The bill allows New Mexico prosecutors to pursue individuals who knowingly purchase and transfer firearms to felons.

“New Mexicans have sent a clear mandate to lawmakers that we must take crime seriously and we must get tough on criminals, including those that aid and abet criminals in gaining illegal access to firearms,” said lead sponsor House Republican Leader Ryan Lane (R-Aztec). “This measure is one step to ensure that felons are prevented from gaining illegal access to firearms, while providing local law enforcement with an additional tool to prosecute and keep felons off the streets. Republicans take the 2nd amendment very seriously, and this commonsense measure will ensure that law-abiding firearm owners’ rights are not infringed upon and will help prevent felons from accessing illegal firearms.”

“Firearms falling into the hands of dangerous people enables violent crime,” said co-sponsor Rep. Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino). “We can save lives and make New Mexico safer by making sure people who should not have guns in the first place cannot get them.”

HB 306 is sponsored by Reps. Lane, Lara, Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), and Bill Rehm (R-Albuquerque). The bill now heads to the Senate.

###