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.
SB 167 raises the penalty for unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon on school premises from a fourth-degree felony to a third-degree felony, resulting in harsher sentencing for this offense. It clarifies the definition of "school premises" to include school buses, playgrounds, parking areas, and other public spaces where school activities are held. The bill directly affects individuals who carry weapons in these areas without one of the specified exceptions, such as school security personnel, students in authorized programs, or persons in private vehicles for lawful protection. This change modifies the criminal penalty without altering the list of allowed exceptions for carrying weapons.
HB 228 creates a new third-degree felony offense for carrying a firearm while trafficking controlled substances, defined as violating existing drug trafficking laws (Section 30-31-20 NMSA 1978). It directly affects individuals convicted of drug trafficking who also possess a firearm during the crime. The bill specifies that "firearm" includes any weapon designed to expel a projectile or its frame/receiver. Violators face sentencing under existing felony penalties (Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978) and the law takes effect July 1, 2026. This amendment does not change drug trafficking laws but adds a separate penalty for firearm possession during such offenses.
HB 163 designates specific felony offenses, including murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and firearm-related crimes, as "dangerous or violent" for bail hearings. For defendants charged with these offenses, the court must presume that releasing them would not protect the community, requiring the defendant to prove by more likely than not that they can be safely released. The bill lists 15 categories of offenses, such as first-degree murder, certain sexual penetrations, and aggravated assault on peace officers, directly affecting individuals charged with these crimes. It would take effect only after a constitutional amendment is approved by voters, which must be enacted to implement the bail presumption.
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 49 increases penalties for felons who receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices in New Mexico. It specifically raises the penalty for first-time felon firearm possession from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, and to a first-degree felony for repeat offenses. The bill applies directly to individuals convicted of felonies who have not completed their sentence, probation, or received a pardon within the past ten years. Key provisions clarify definitions of "serious violent felon" and "destructive device" while raising criminal charges for violations. This policy change aims to strengthen restrictions on firearm access for certain convicted individuals.
HB 197 increases penalties for stealing firearms by reclassifying the theft of a firearm valued under $2,500 from a fourth degree felony to a third degree felony. This change means individuals convicted of stealing such firearms would face more severe prison sentences than under current law. The bill directly affects people who commit firearm theft in New Mexico, specifically targeting cases involving firearms worth less than $2,500.
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.
