FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARMS PENALTIES

HB 166 increases penalties for individuals convicted of felonies who possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It sets a five-year prison term for first-time possession, adds a nine-year term for second or subsequent offenses, and specifies nine years for "serious violent felons" (those convicted of certain violent crimes). The bill affects felons with prior convictions who possess firearms, including those with prior violent offenses, and clarifies sentencing for these cases. These changes modify existing penalties without expanding the categories of people covered.