Key Community Safety Legislation Signed Into Law
New laws address retail crime, keep guns out of the wrong hands, & curb catalytic converter thefts
Santa Fe, NM - Three important bills to improve the safety of New Mexico’s communities were signed into law this morning by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during a ceremony at the Albuquerque Police Department’s Michael King and Richard Smith Memorial Substation.
House Bill 234, cracks down on organized retail crime, helping law enforcement take down theft rings and stiffening penalties for criminals who target local businesses and threaten public safety. HB 234 is sponsored by Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), Reps. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) and Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), and Senator Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque).
“Retail crime poses a serious threat not just to the livelihood of local business owners, but to the safety of the everyday New Mexicans working behind the counter or shopping for their families,” said Speaker Martínez. “House Bill 234 will be another tool in the toolbox to protect our communities.”
“By revamping our shoplifting laws with increased penalties and additional crimes for repeat and violent offenders, we are holding the thieves who endanger the lives of retail shoppers and employees accountable,” said Representative Matthews. “This bill becoming law sends the clear message that New Mexico will not tolerate these dangerous crimes.”
House Bill 306, sponsored by Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane (R-Aztec), Majority Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino), and Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), was also signed into law today. The legislation makes it a fourth-degree felony to knowingly purchase a firearm for another person who cannot lawfully own it or intends to use it for a crime.
“By closing the straw purchase loophole, we are helping keep firearms out of the wrong hands and reducing crime and gun violence across New Mexico,” said Chair Lara.
The Governor also signed Senate Bill 133 this morning, requiring proper documentation to sell a standalone catalytic converter, thus cutting down on the black market for the device and curbing thefts. The legislation is sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), Sen. Leo Jaramillo (D-Española), Speaker Martínez, and Reps. Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho), Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), and Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque).
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