House Memorial 65 requests New Mexico's Department of Health and Public Safety to create a task force focused on researching firearm safety policies to reduce gun violence in the state. The task force will examine specific areas like firearm licensing, magazine restrictions, and links between alcohol misuse and gun violence, including policies for prohibiting firearm access based on prior offenses. It will include health officials, law enforcement, schools, community groups, and tribal representatives, and must submit findings to lawmakers by September 2026. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) seeking research and recommendations, not implementing new policies.
HB 75 would allow New Mexico judges to reduce criminal sentences if they find strong evidence of mitigating circumstances (like personal hardship or rehabilitation efforts) during sentencing. It requires judges to use clear and convincing evidence for reductions, while limiting sentence increases to one-third of the original term (except for serious youthful offenders, who may get larger reductions). The bill also specifies that certain factors - such as prior convictions, hate crimes, or firearm use - cannot be used to justify harsher sentences. This directly affects defendants facing sentencing in New Mexico courts, particularly those with circumstances that could lead to a lower sentence under the proposed rule.
This New Mexico bill (SB 17) requires gun dealers to implement security measures like alarms, reinforced doors, and video surveillance to prevent thefts, and mandates background checks for employees handling firearms. It prohibits sales of "extremely dangerous weapons" (including certain .50 caliber rifles and modified semiautomatic firearms) and requires dealers to report crime gun traces, multiple sales, and thefts. Dealers must also maintain detailed records and post safety notices for firearm purchasers. The bill passed the Senate in February 2026 but remains pending in the House.
SB 90 defines "credible threat" in New Mexico's domestic violence law as any situation causing reasonable fear for physical safety based on statements, acts, or conduct - not requiring actual firearm use. If a court determines a credible threat exists during a domestic violence protection order hearing, it must order the abuser to surrender all firearms and refrain from possessing firearms while the order is active. This directly affects victims of domestic violence and abusers in cases where courts issue protection orders. The bill expands firearm restrictions beyond scenarios involving direct firearm threats, ensuring courts can mandate firearm removal when safety concerns arise.
HB 67 requires courts issuing domestic violence protection orders to mandate that restrained parties immediately surrender all firearms in their possession or control to law enforcement or a federal firearms licensee. This applies to all protection orders, with courts permitted to allow alternative surrender methods or timing if needed. The bill also mandates law enforcement to provide written receipts to both the restrained party and the petitioning party within 72 hours, detailing surrendered firearms and filing copies with the court. It directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protection orders and law enforcement agencies handling firearm surrenders.
