FIREARM AT POLLING PLACE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

HB 101 clarifies that commissioned law enforcement officers performing official duties are exempt from New Mexico's general rule prohibiting firearms at polling places. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who may be present at polling locations during elections. It amends the existing law to explicitly state that officers acting within their official capacity are not considered to be unlawfully possessing a firearm in these areas. This change provides clear legal protection for officers conducting election security, without altering restrictions for other individuals. The bill does not change the penalty for non-officers who violate the firearm prohibition at polling places.