SALE OF FIREARMS WITHOUT BACKGROUND CHECK

SB 255 requires standard background checks for most private firearm sales in New Mexico, creating two new offenses: selling a firearm without a background check and facilitating such sales. It directly affects private sellers (not licensed dealers), online platforms enabling sales, and individuals involved in transactions bypassing checks. Key provisions include mandating background checks for all non-licensed sales (with exceptions for immediate family, law enforcement, and licensed dealers), penalizing platforms that fail to prevent illegal sales through reasonable measures, and adding these offenses to the state's racketeering definition for enhanced penalties. The bill aims to prevent firearm sales to prohibited buyers by strengthening background check requirements and accountability for facilitators.