STATE News:

SANTA FE — Jan. 28, Senate Bill 17 received a ‘Do Pass’ recommendation from the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee on a 6-4 party line vote. This controversial and egregiously unconstitutional proposal was met with fierce opposition from Republican committee members. Led by Ranking Member Sen. Larry Scott (R-Hobbs), Sens. David Gallegos (R-Eunice), Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), and Rex Wilson (R-Ancho) were unified in their ‘no’ votes. 

SB 17 effectively: 

• Grows government control over guns
• Burdens small, local gun dealers
• Targets law-abiding citizens, not criminals
• Adds red tape and new penalties
• Threatens Second Amendment rights
• Won’t stop violent crime

“This bill represents perhaps the worst mockery of the Second Amendment in state history,” Sen. Jay Block said. He continued, “Instead of trying to hold violent and repeat criminals accountable, radical left Democrats are targeting law-abiding New Mexicans and small business owners. In typical fashion, Democrats are hard at work sweeping our state’s real issues under the rug while simultaneously punishing everyday New Mexicans. As Republicans and elected officials who took oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution, we will continue to stand strong in our defense of all New Mexicans and their constitutionally protected ability to protect their families and their way of life.” 

SB 17 now heads to Senate Judiciary Committee.