Anthony Segura NMSSA Executive Director, New Mexico Shooting Sports Association As of February 25, 2025, the statuses of New Mexico Senate Bills 279 and 318 are as follows: Senate Bill 279 (SB 279): Gas-Operated Semiauto Firearms Exclusion Act Introduction Date: February 4, 2025 New Mexico Senate Bill 279 (SB 279), introduced on February 4, 2025, by Senators Micaelita Debbie O’Malley, Heather Berghmans, Andrea Romero, Charlotte Little, and Patricia Roybal Caballero, is officially titled the “Gas-Operated Semiauto Firearms Exclusion Act.” The bill seeks to regulate and potentially prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of certain gas-operated semiautomatic firearms within the state. Key provisions of SB 279 include: Prohibited Actions: The bill makes it unlawful to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or receive specific gas-operated semiautomatic firearms. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety, is tasked with identifying and publishing a list of prohibited firearms by July 1, 2025. Certification System: Owners of affected firearms are required to obtain certification through a system developed by the Attorney General. This process involves completing a certification form and, if done before January 1, 2026, submitting it to a licensed firearm dealer or directly to the Attorney General. Post-January 1, 2026, all certifications must be submitted directly to the Attorney General. Possession Restrictions: Certified firearms may only be possessed on private property owned or controlled by the individual, at licensed shooting ranges, or during sanctioned shooting competitions. Transportation of these firearms is limited to direct routes between such locations. Penalties: Violations of the proposed regulations are classified as a fourth-degree felony, carrying potential legal consequences for offenders. The introduction of SB 279 has ignited significant debate. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to address gun violence and enhance public safety. Senator O’Malley, the lead sponsor, emphasized growing concerns about gun violence, stating, “I do think this is the right thing to do.” Opponents, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA), and the New Mexico Firearms Industry Association contend that the bill infringes upon Second Amendment rights and could criminalize law-abiding gun owners. They highlight that many commonly owned firearms used for hunting, competitive shooting, and self-defense could fall under the ban. John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, described SB 279 as “one of the most extreme gun control bills in the country.” As of February 24, 2025, SB 279 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further deliberation. Stakeholders and the public are closely monitoring its progress, given its potential impact on firearm ownership and regulation in New Mexico. Senate Bill 318 (SB 318): Firearms in Unfair Practices Act Introduction Date: February 7, 2025 Sponsor: Senator Joseph Cervantes Current Status: Referred to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee (STBTC) on February 7, 2025 Summary: SB 318 could negatively impact gun stores in New Mexico. By amending the state’s Unfair Practices Act to include provisions related to firearms and destructive devices, the bill could open the door for lawsuits against gun stores and manufacturers based on vague or broadly defined “unfair” trade practices. This would increase legal liability for lawful firearm businesses, potentially leading to higher operating costs, insurance premiums, and even business closures. Gun control advocates have used similar legislative tactics in other states to bypass federal protections like the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which shields firearm businesses from frivolous lawsuits. If SB 318 passes, it could be weaponized by anti-gun groups to sue firearm dealers and manufacturers for crimes committed by third parties, even when the businesses followed all laws. The New Mexico Firearm Industry Association, NMSSA and other pro-2A organizations oppose SB 318 because it could cripple the firearms industry in New Mexico, making it harder for residents to legally purchase and own guns. |
Send a letter to your Legislator’s opposing these two Senate Bills. Subject: Oppose SB 279 & SB 318 – Protect Our Second Amendment Rights Dear [Legislator’s Name], As a fellow New Mexican and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I urge you to vote NO on Senate Bill 279 (the Gas-Operated Semiauto Firearms Exclusion Act) and Senate Bill 318. These bills threaten the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to enhance public safety. SB 279 would regulate and potentially ban a broad range of semiautomatic firearms that are commonly used for self-defense, hunting, competitive shooting, and recreation. Criminalizing responsible gun owners does not reduce crime—it only punishes law-abiding citizens while failing to address the root causes of violence. SB 318 expands the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act to include firearms, parts, and accessories, imposing excessive penalties of $250,000 per violation and holding manufacturers, distributors, and online sellers jointly liable for third-party actions. This bill would: Allow lawsuits without proof of harm, encouraging frivolous litigation. Subject out-of-state and online retailers to New Mexico laws, creating serious interstate commerce concerns. Grant broad enforcement power to the Attorney General, threatening lawful businesses with crushing legal costs. Rather than targeting responsible gun owners and businesses, the Legislature should focus on enforcing existing laws and addressing the real drivers of violent crime. I strongly urge you to oppose SB 279 and SB 318 and protect the constitutional rights of New Mexicans. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address or City, Optional] [Your Contact Information] |