ALERT ANTI GUN LEGISLATION 2026

[Deleted member 39]

The following are firearm or firearm related bills that have been introduced in the 2026 New Mexico Legislature. Senate Bill 17 is most disturbing, and I have only copied the section that pertains to firearm, ammunition & magazine bans. Senate Bill 17 also imposes a multitude of regulations on firearm dealers which are designed to put them out of business...for further information on these bills go to a search engine & type in: Senate (or House) Bill & the number, followed by "2026 New Mexico Legislature". I believe it is time to start contacting legislators as defined (procedure & contact information) in my previous post (Committee Chairs & both Republican & Democrat Senators). This bill is the final desperate attempt by our lickspittle of the radical left governor to impinge our Second Amendments Rights.

SENATE BILL 17

Introduced by Micaelita Debbie O’Malley and Andrea Romero and Heather Berghmans and Charlotte Little

Beginning on July 1, 2026, a dealer shall not sell or transfer any of the following firearms, ammunition or devices to a person who is not licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 923, nor shall a dealer process a background check pursuant to Section 30-7-7.1 NMSA 1978 for the transfer of any of the following firearms, ammunition and devices between parties that are not licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 923:

(1) a detachable magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition;
(2) a .50 caliber rifle;
(3) a .50 caliber cartridge;
(4) a gas-operated semiautomatic firearm that can accept a detachable magazine;
(5) a gas-operated semiautomatic firearm with a fixed magazine that holds more than ten rounds of ammunition; or
(6) a machine gun.

B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section do not apply to the sale of:
(1) a firearm designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 or less caliber rimfire ammunition;
(2) an antique firearm; or
(3) a firearm that:
(a) is a single-shot rifle, shotgun or handgun;
(b) is a breech-loading rifle, shotgun
or handgun with a capacity not to exceed two rounds of ammunition;
(c) is a muzzle loading rifle, shotgun

HOUSE BILL 49 would change the penalty for felons, who are prohibited by law from possessing firearms, from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony for a first offense and a first-degree felony for any subsequent offenses.

HOUSE BILL 67 would make it easier for courts to seize firearms from a defendant facing a restraining order in domestic violence cases, an issue that is often coupled with allegations of sexual violence.

HOUSE BILL 25 would treat certain juvenile firearm offenses as criminal convictions for gun possession purposes, a significant departure from the state’s traditional approach to juvenile records. The legislation would prohibit adults who received juvenile dispositions for felony firearm offenses from possessing guns for 10 years after their disposition. These juvenile records would be transmitted to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

 

[Alan]

I appreciate the detailed breakdown. SB17 especially deserves attention, contacting legislators early is critical before these proposals quietly gain momentum.

 

[Howard]

I moved to NM from Virginia (via Oklahoma) which used to be called "The Gun State". When they tried to ban AR's 100 out of 105 counties declared themselves '2A sanctuary counties'. The sheriff of culpepper Co. said he'd deputize every man in the county.

Now they have a blue house, senate, and govenor and are getting ready to pass this. This crap is making me think of moving back to Oklahoma which had 0 blue cities or counties in the last election. Maybe we should tell Lujan to Eff itself and all move to OK. LOL

 

[Mokaa]

Seeing your rights slowly chipped away is frustrating!

 

[Deleted member 39]

Seeing your rights slowly chipped away is frustrating!

Well this bill has not even been heard in the Senate or House committees much less passed into law. It is a very poorly written bill, and has too many contestable provisions in it to withstand court challenges should it pass as is; however, it is best for all of us (time, money & effort to strike it down) if it never reaches a floor vote in either or both houses of the legislature.

 

[Billinthedesert]

Wow. Those represent a lot of threats. What's with the suppressor tax?

 

[Deleted member 39]

What's with the suppressor tax?

In the summary below it states that civil penalties will range from $200 - $1,000, but I don't see anything about any suppressor tax. The bill has been sent to the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee. The information below is the official summary of SB 17 & I suggest you read it (the bolding below is mine). Comments anyone???


The "Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act" seeks to improve firearm safety and regulation in New Mexico through a series of stringent measures for firearm dealers. Key provisions include the requirement for dealers to implement security measures to prevent theft, maintain detailed transaction records, report thefts and multiple sales, and undergo periodic inspections. The act also establishes a minimum employment age of 21 for individuals handling firearms and mandates training on firearm laws and safety practices. Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of certain firearms and devices classified as "extremely dangerous," such as .50 caliber rifles and detachable magazines with capacities exceeding ten rounds, effective July 1, 2026.

Moreover, the legislation emphasizes the necessity of background checks for most firearm transactions, including private sales, and requires the posting of informational signs at gun show entrances regarding legal implications for individuals with felony records and mental health resources. The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, classifying violations as misdemeanors and imposing civil penalties ranging from $200 for first-time offenders to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Overall, the act aims to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding firearms in New Mexico, reduce illegal gun trade, and enhance public safety.