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Three new gun control bills have been filed, including one of the bills we have been anticipating. First, SB279, a ban on the sale or transfer of semiautomatic rifles was filed today. The bill would also ban the sale or transfer of all magazines that hold more than ten rounds. The first stop for the bill will be the Senate Judiciary Committee. Second, SB244, a ban on minors possessing firearms with exemptions was filed. That bill is also before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Third, SB255, modifies New Mexico’s private firearm sale background check law to attempt to create criminal liability for social media companies or websites that “facilitate” unlawful firearm transfers. That bill has been sent to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee.  Tomorrow, Wednesday 2/5, HB12, the expansion of New Mexico’s “red-flag” gun confiscation law will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee. Here is a pre-written email to send to committee members asking them to oppose the bill. The meeting is at 1:30pm in Room 309 (Zoom link). On Friday, 2/7, the House Judiciary Committee will be hearing HB38, the “weapon conversion device” ban. The meeting will be at 1:30pm in Room 309 as well (Zoom link). Today, in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, HB83, permitless concealed carry, was tabled on a party-line vote. Those voting against the bill didn’t debate the bill or ask questions of the sponsor, Representative Block. Finally, yesterday in the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee, HB202, the gun safe tax credit bill, was unanimously passed. The next stop for the bill is the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Joseph Cervantes – (D) joseph.cervantes@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4861 Senator Katy M. Duhigg – (D) katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4270 Senator Mimi Stewart – (D) mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4734 Senator Peter Wirth – (D) peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4727 Senator Antonio Maestas – (D) antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4373 Senator Crystal Brantley – (R) crystal.brantley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4369 Senator Debbie O’Malley – (D) debbie.o’malley@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4301 Senator Nicholas A. Paul – (R) nicholas.paul@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4395 Senator Anthony L. Thornton – (R) anthony.thornton@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4274

On Thursday, 1/30, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee passed HB38 on a party-line vote. The bill would make it a felony to own a “weapon conversion device.” The sponsor of the bill acknowledged the bill’s vague language and stated they would be bringing amendments to the bill in the House Judiciary Committee to duplicate federal law on automatic firearms. We will be carefully watching to see what transpires. On Wednesday 2/5, HB12, the expansion of New Mexico’s “red-flag” gun confiscation law will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee. Here is a pre-written email to send to committee members asking them to oppose the bill. The meeting is at 1:30pm in Room 309 (Zoom link). Additionally, two bills we support are being heard this week as well. On Tuesday 2/4, HB83 which would make New Mexico a permitless carry state will be in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee at 1:30pm in Room 317 (Zoom link). Also, on Monday 2/3, HB202 will be in the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee. The bill would create a tax credit for purchasing a qualifying gun safe. The meeting starts at 1:30pm in room 317 (Zoom link). The deadline for bill introduction is February 20, so there is still time for more bills to be introduced. We are expecting more gun control bills to be filed by the deadline. House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee Joanne J. Ferrary – (D) 505-986-4844 joanne.ferrary@nmlegis.gov Angelica Rubio – (D) 505-986-4210 angelica.rubio@nmlegis.gov Stefani Lord – (R) 505-986-4453 info@lord2020.com John Block – (R) 505-986-4453 John.Block@nmlegis.gov Catherine J. Cullen – (R) catherine.cullen@nmlegis.gov Andrea Romero – (D) 505-986-4243 andrea@andrearomero.com Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson – (D) 505-986-4425 liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler – (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero – (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Javier Martínez – (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen – (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Andrea Reeb – (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski – (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Michelle Paulene Abeyta – (D) michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Nicole Chavez – (R) nicole.chavez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 William A. Hall II – (R) bill.hall@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4336 Dayan Hochman-Vigil – (D) dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Alan T. Martinez – (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758

NMRA 2025 Legislative Session Webinar   Join us on February 5th at 3 PM for an informative webinar that will keep you up-to-date on the latest developments from the New Mexico Legislature. The 2025 Legislative session is already in full swing, and the New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA) is actively working on the issues that matter most to our industry. Key Priorities: We’ll be discussing the following crucial topics that could significantly impact your business: Paid Family Medical Leave: Understand the proposed changes and how they may affect your operations.Liquor Tax Increases: Learn about the potential tax hikes and their implications for your business.Minimum Wage Increase: Stay informed about the proposed wage increases and how to prepare. Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: Discover how this act could impact your business and what you can do to mitigate its effects. Take Action and Be a Changemaker Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about our efforts and how you can make a difference during this legislative session. Join us to: Stay updated on the latest developmentsUnderstand the potential impact on your businessLearn how to take action and be a part of shaping the future of our industry Mark your calendars for February 5th at 3 PM and join us for this important webinar. We look forward to seeing you there!   Register NOW     We Need Your Voice!   Legislators need to hear from New Mexicans before the PFML bill HB 11 is discussed Monday morning at 9:00 AM! Want to speak at the committee meeting remotely? Here’s the info: Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178202695 To provide written comments please email: HHHC@nmlegis.gov

Today in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, HB12  passed on a party-line vote. The bill would expand New Mexico’s “red-flag” gun confiscation law, and was passed without any amendments. The next stop for the bill is the House Judiciary Committee. On Thursday 1/30, HB38 will be heard in Room 317 at 1:30pm (or later). The bill would make it a felony to own a “weapon conversion device.” The bill is just two pages of ambiguous language that is not clear what would actually be banned, despite the felony charge for possession of a “part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a semiautomatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.” Additionally, HB39, the expansion of juvenile records in NICS will also be heard in the same committee meeting, Zoom Link. House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee Joanne J. Ferrary – (D) 505-986-4844 joanne.ferrary@nmlegis.gov Angelica Rubio – (D) 505-986-4210 angelica.rubio@nmlegis.gov Stefani Lord – (R) 505-986-4453 info@lord2020.com John Block – (R) 505-986-4453 John.Block@nmlegis.gov Catherine J. Cullen – (R) catherine.cullen@nmlegis.gov Andrea Romero – (D) 505-986-4243 andrea@andrearomero.com Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson – (D) 505-986-4425 liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov House Judiciary Committee Christine Chandler – (D) christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4411 Andrea Romero – (D) andrea@andrearomero.com 505-986-4243 Javier Martínez – (D) javier.martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4782 Matthew McQueen – (D) matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4423 Andrea Reeb – (R) Andrea.Reeb@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4215 Reena Szczepanski – (D) reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Michelle Paulene Abeyta – (D) michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4254 Nicole Chavez – (R) nicole.chavez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4214 William A. Hall II – (R) bill.hall@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4336 Dayan Hochman-Vigil – (D) dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4777 Alan T. Martinez – (R) Alan.Martinez@nmlegis.gov 505-986-4758

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, denounces the coordinated “lawfare” effort by Democratic state attorneys general to abuse the judicial system through frivolous claims against a firearm manufacturer. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, joined by Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison along with 13 other states and the District of Columbia, are coordinating and repeating the unfounded claims against GLOCK, Inc., filed by the City of Chicago, which wrongfully colluded with the Biden-Harris White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety. That improper collusion is currently under investigation by the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Accountability Committee.   “This is clearly an abuse of the courts to attempt to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA),” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Attorneys General Platkin and Ellison, along with the other colluding states, are attempting to extend the frivolous claims that have no foundation in law and abuse taxpayer dollars to advance an unconstitutional gun control agenda. These claims are a devious manipulation of the courts by attempting to force a gun control agenda through judicial fiat and are contrary to the will of lawmakers and are expressly prohibited by federal law. This is the very definition of ‘lawfare’ and should be rejected by the courts.”   NSSF previously applauded the House Oversight and Government Accountability Committee for investigating allegations that The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention collaborated with the antigun billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety and the City of Chicago to target GLOCK, Inc., with a frivolous lawsuit, alleging the company is responsible for the criminal misuse of firearms when criminals unlawfully attach an illegal “switch” to handguns. Everytown for Gun Safety is representing the City of Chicago in the lawsuit. In previous demands for information, House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) noted, “On the very day the suit was filed, Everytown for Gun Safety President John Feinblatt posted on X, ‘Federal officials recently contacted Glock to discuss implementing new ways to modify Glock pistols to make it harder for Glock switches to be installed. Rather than help, Glock falsely insisted there is nothing they can do.’”   The devices are “autosears,” which are illegal to make, import, possess and attach to a firearm or use without compliance with the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA). Attorneys General Platkin and Ellison and the other colluding states ignore the fact that these devices aren’t produced by GLOCK, Inc., or any other firearm manufacturer. In fact, they are largely illegally imported from China or illegally manufactured by criminals. GLOCK, Inc., has actively cooperated with federal, state and local law enforcement to combat this illegal activity.    About NSSF NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

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FEDERAL COURT STRIKES DOWN ILLINOIS ASSAULT WEAPONS AND HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINE BANS   On November 8, 2024, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois issued a decision holding that the Illinois “assault weapons” and “high capacity” magazine bans violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. These bans were part of the Protect Illinois Communities Act (“PICA”), which was enacted in response to the Highland Park shooting during a July 4th parade. The stated goal of PICA “was to impede violent criminals from deploying semiautomatic firearms and ammunition magazines designated as ‘high capacity.’” It banned semi-automatic “assault weapons,” including AR- and AK- type rifles and pistols, .50 cal. rifles, and designated shotguns. It also banned pistol magazines with a capacity of fifteen or more cartridges, and rifle magazines with a capacity of ten or more cartridges.    District Judge Stephen McGlynn issued the opinion and opened his 168-page opinion with a philosophical observation regarding the AR-15 rifle, “Often, the different perspectives are defined by whom they picture using the weapon — either a menacing criminal or a law-abiding citizen involved in a dangerous confrontation.” The court relied upon New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v Bruen, 597 U.S. 1 (2022), as well as other recent Second Amendment opinions from the U.S. Supreme Court, and completed a detailed analysis finding that the firearms and magazines banned in PICA were protected “arms” covered by the Second Amendment. Judge McGlynn held that “law-abiding citizens choose semiautomatic AR- and AK-type rifles, semiautomatic shotguns, various machine pistols, large-capacity magazines, and assorted firearm attachments for self-defense” and “all of these weapons, magazines, and attachments are bearable, not dangerous or unusual, and are in common use.” After this finding, the court determined, “the Government has not met its burden to prove that the history and tradition of firearm regulations supports PICA’s expansive sweep,” and found the law unconstitutional.   After Judge McGlynn concluded that “PICA is an unconstitutional affront to the Second Amendment,” he eloquently stated, “sadly, there are those who seek to usher in a sort of post-Constitution era where the citizens’ individual rights are only as important as they are convenient to a ruling class.”  The court stayed its decision for 30 days to allow Illinois time to file an appeal, which it did the same day the decision was issued. We anticipate the Illinois Attorney General filing a motion to stay the injunction issued by Judge McGlynn while its appeal is pending.  In the meantime, PICA remains in effect.   Renzulli Law Firm will continue to monitor the implementation of this law, related litigation, and its potential impacts.  If you have any questions about the law, please contact John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.

Renzulli Law Firm is Monitoring Firearm-Related Legislative Developments Renzulli Law Firm, nationally recognized as one of the premier law firms in the country serving the Firearms Industry, is monitoring legislative and legal developments affecting the industry and publishing regular updates which are available by e-mail and on the Firm’s website.    Our firearms legislation updates are available here.  Additional information about the Firm’s litigation, counseling and consulting services for the Firearms Industry is available here.

Republican Party of New Mexico Contact: Ashley Soular Email: ash@gopnm.org Phone: (505) 298-3662 newmexico.gop NM DEM Reps Vote Against Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Sex Crimes Against Women & Children ALBUQUERQUE, SEPTEMBER 19—On Wednesday, 158 Democrats in Congress shocked many by voting against the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, which would ensure that illegal immigrants who have admitted to or are convicted of sexual offenses or domestic violence against women and children would be deemed inadmissible and deportable. New Mexico U.S. Democratic Representatives Melanie Stansbury (CD 1) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (CD 3) were among those Democrats who opposed the resolution.   The act was passed by a vote of 266-158, with every present Republican voting in favor.   This isn’t the first time Rep. Stansbury and Leger Fernandez have voted to protect illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the U.S. They, along with Rep. Gabe Vasquez, voted against the Laken Riley Act, which would allow the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain illegal immigrants who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The legislation was named after Laken Riley, who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who was convicted of crimes in New York and Georgia but was re-released into the U.S. by the Biden/Harris administration.   All three New Mexico Democratic representatives have refused to condemn Biden and Harris’s open-border policies, which have led to numerous female and child victims, including the following: Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was brutally and sexually assaulted for two hours before being murdered by two Venezuelan illegal immigrant suspects. Dayana Garcia, a 25-year-old woman, was found in her house murdered by an illegal immigrant suspect who entered the country under the Harris/Biden administration. Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old woman, was raped and strangled to death by an illegal immigrant suspect with ties to the MS-13 gang. Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was raped, beaten to death, and stuffed in a drain pipe by an illegal immigrant suspect who came into our country during the Harris/Biden administration. Recently, a Venezuelan gang member was charged with Domestic Disorderly Conduct, two counts of Domestic Battery, Strangulation/Suffocation, Physical Abuse to a Child, Disorderly Conduct, and two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault. A Salvadorian illegal immigrant was arrested after it was discovered he had kept two young boys locked up in chains inside a home. A Bolivian illegal immigrant was arrested and released multiple times over the last few months was finally arrested by ICE officials for seven felony counts of child pornography and possession of obscene material with a minor.   “Anyone with common sense and decency is wondering how someone could vote to protect illegal immigrants from deportation who have committed violent and sexually abusive acts against women and children while denying their victims the right to safety and justice,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Spokeswoman Ash Soular.“Democratic Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez should be ashamed of themselves for putting the rights of illegal immigrants who commit horrendous crimes above the safety of New Mexico women and children. They have proven themselves unfit to represent our state, and New Mexicans must hold them accountable with their vote at the ballot box this November.” ### The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662. Copyright (C) 2024 Republican Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved. You opted in to receive emails from the Republican Party of New Mexico. Our phone number is: 505-298-3662 Our mailing address is: Republican Party of New Mexico 5150 San Francisco Rd NE # A Albuquerque, NM 87109-4640 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

NM DEM Reps Vote Against Proof of Citizenship to Vote—Again. ALBUQUERQUE, SEPTEMBER 19—Yesterday, Congress took up a vote on a Continuing Appropriations bill that would avert a government shutdown for six months and would also implement the SAVE Act, a piece of legislation that will require proof of citizenship to register to vote ahead of the General Election.   All three of New Mexico’s U.S. Democratic Representatives, Gabe Vasquez (CD 2), Melanie Stansbury (CD 1), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (CD 3), voted against the appropriations bill. This is the second time all three Democratic Representatives voted against legislation that included proof of citizenship to register to vote in U.S. elections.   Additionally, all three representatives have previously voted against condemning non-citizens voting in state elections, against legislation to hold illegal immigrants who commit crimes in our country accountable, and against tough border security bills.   Many states have already found and removed thousands of non-citizens from their voter rolls, despite Democrats denying that non-citizens are registering to vote.   The Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce issued the following statement:   “Despite all the talk about protecting democracy, Representatives Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez threw away another opportunity to safeguard the integrity of our elections. New Mexicans want to be certain that only U.S. citizens vote in the upcoming election, but unfortunately, their representatives continue to cater to the far-left, anti-America wing of their party. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote is a common-sense measure that should not be controversial especially when New Mexico’s Democratic representatives have enabled 10 million people to enter our country illegally. If New Mexicans are fed up with being put last and want strong borders, secure elections and safe streets, vote Republican up and down the ballot this November.” Copyright (C) 2024 Republican Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved. You opted in to receive emails from the Republican Party of New Mexico. Our phone number is: 505-298-3662 Our mailing address is: Republican Party of New Mexico 5150 San Francisco Rd NE # A Albuquerque, NM 87109-4640 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

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Op-Ed: Progressive Dems are One-Trick Ponies

We want to share this well-written op-ed from Elaine Sena Cortez, titled Progressive Dems are one-trick ponies.   Scroll down to continue to read.

My View Elaine Sena Cortez Progressive Dems are one-trick ponies By Elaine Sena Cortez    With under two months before the November election, many New Mexican voters are beginning to realize our state’s most urgent problems never seem to get fixed.   Our governor and the progressive majorities in the state Legislature don’t appear to be interested in offering workable solutions at a time when our state is facing the worst violent crime rate in the country; our public schools are consistently ranked last for student success; the crisis along our southern border has created a fentanyl epidemic that is killing too many New Mexicans; generational poverty threatens the long-term future of our families; and abused and neglected children are failing to receive the protection they deserve.   I believe progressive Democrats are wholly responsible for these problems since they have controlled the Legislature and the governor’s office for the last six years, yet they want to talk about one issue: abortion.   Of course, these progressives rarely say the word “abortion,” preferring to use euphemisms such as “reproductive rights” and “women’s health care” to soft-pedal the harsh reality that their entire agenda rests on ending the existence of an unborn child. Having no qualms about permitting abortions up until the moment of birth in New Mexico, progressive Democrats are conveniently never heard admitting that is their position.   There is something fundamentally wrong when the party charged with leading our state refuses to address the critical issues facing our state but has no reluctance to base their quest for political power almost solely on the backs of the unborn.   For far too long, Republican candidates have stayed silent regarding abortion and have hesitated to engage their progressive opponents on this sensitive issue. In turn, this silence has permitted progressives to define Republicans as being anti-women or not caring about women’s health care issues. Of course, these political accusations are false and based on fear-mongering and slander, as many Republican candidates are women themselves and are personally invested in women’s health care.   Unfortunately, this false narrative perpetuated by progressives has allowed them to take total control of the state and enact a devastating agenda that has made our state unrecognizable.   Abortion is an issue that requires real conversation: Should there be restrictions around viability? Should parents be notified if their minor child has an abortion? Should women be given all the information about available resources when making tough pregnancy-related decisions? Should taxpayers have to pay for something with which they morally disagree? Should New Mexico taxpayers be footing the bill for out-of-state residents to obtain abortions here?   The repeal of Roe v. Wade returned these and other policy questions to the states. Progressive Democrat lawmakers, however, have refused to consider any of these important questions. As a result, they have made New Mexico an abortion capital of the U.S.   Progressive Democrats have become one-trick political ponies, touting abortion every chance they get, so they don’t have to address the other crises in our state. If New Mexico voters continue to choose progressive candidates this November, then they have no excuse to complain about our failing schools, our neighborhoods becoming crime battlegrounds, our children suffering abuse and neglect, our crumbling health care system and opportunities for our kids and grandkids disappearing. They will have proven that their all-abortion, all-the-time strategy is all that’s needed to maintain their failed leadership.   Our state cannot afford a Democratic-controlled Legislature that continues turning a blind eye to every issue except abortion.   It is time to have real discussions about the issues facing our state, all of them.   Elaine Sena Cortez is the representative-elect from District 62 in the House of Representatives. She is from Hobbs.

Click HERE to read the full op-ed at the Santa Fe New Mexican.

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If you’re not happy with the way New Mexico is heading, there is good news! You are the boss, and you have the power to fire the Democrats in power and elect America and New Mexico-First Republicans this November! Will you pitch in to reach more voters?