NMSSA Legislative Update 2/7/23

February 08, 2023

Today in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, the full-blown attack on our right to keep and bear arms was on open display. First, HB50, the magazine ban, was "rolled over" and not heard with the consent of the sponsor who then endorsed HB101. This means HB50 could come back, but HB101 is likely the priority bill we must oppose.HB100, the 14 day waiting period was passed on a party-line vote. Representative John Block proposed an amendment to the bill to allow someone who has filed for a restraining order against another to be exempt from waiting 14 days to exercise their right to buy a firearm for self-defense. That motion was defeated on a party-line vote. The bill now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.HB101, the semiautomatic rifle and magazine ban bill had a committee substitute filed. They introduced an entirely new bill in place of what was filed before - the new bill has still yet to be made available to the public. From the discussion of the bill, it would allow current owners of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and semiautomatic rifles to keep their guns and magazines if they register them with the state. New purchases would be banned however. The bill passed on a party-line vote and heads to the House Judiciary Committee as well.HB164, permitless concealed carry, was tabled on a party-line vote with no substantive debate from those who voted to table the bill.It was a disappointing day to say the least, but this session isn't over yet. We are committed to fighting these bills during the session which is our current priority. Once we have clarity on what will and won't pass, and more importantly the exact language, we will chart our next steps.HB9 is still pending a vote on the floor of the House. You can use this link to tell your state representative to oppose the bill that could make you criminally liable for someone else's actions.HB224 and HB238 will be in House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee on Saturday, February 11th. Both bills create a crime of "discharging a firearm in a densely populated area" but they lack exemptions for acts of self-defense or shooting at an indoor range. The bills also fail to adequately define what a "densely populated area" is. The bills will be heard in Room 309 starting at 9am (Zoom Link). You can use this link to send a pre-drafted email to committee members asking them to oppose the bills.