NM Legislative Update

ATTENTION NEW MEXICO CONCEALED HANDGUN INSTRUCTORS & LICENSEES!

 

The New Mexico Legislature convened this week for its regular 60-day
session, and several bills of interest to you have already been filed.  

 

As you know, New Mexico law bans the carrying of firearms inside
establishments licensed to dispense liquor, and courts have ruled that this
prohibition extends to places where alcohol is packaged and sold for
off-premises consumption - including grocery and convenience stores.  New
Mexico is the only "Right To Carry" state in the nation with such an
extensive ban. Three bills have been filed on the Senate side to correct the
"alcohol provision" problem as it affects Concealed Handgun Licensees: SB
111 by Sen. Stuart Ingle (R-Portales), SB 167 by Sen. William Sharer
(R-Farmington) & SB 168 by Sen. Steven Neville (R-Aztec) would allow
Concealed Handgun Licenses to protect themselves in establishments which
sell alcohol for off-premises consumption.  Please contact your State
Senators and urge them to support these important measures!  

 

Also, Sen. Shannon Robinson (D-Albuquerque) & Rep. John Heaton (D-Carlsbad)
have introduced NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine"/self-defense statute reform
legislation in their respective chambers: SB 39 & HB 163.  These bills are
modeled on Florida's landmark law, creating presumptions of reasonableness
for the use of defensive force in or around your home or occupied vehicle;
codifying that you have "no duty to retreat" from a violent attack if you're
in a place where you have a right to be, if you're not the initial
aggressor, and if you're not engaged in criminal activity yourself; and
establishing additional protections from civil liability if you lawfully
protect yourself or your family.  Please contact your State Senators and
urge them to support SB 39 & also contact your State Representatives and
urge them to support HB 163!

 

You can find contact information for your elected officials by visiting
http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/legislatorsearch.asp

 

Sincerely,

Tara Reilly Mica

National Rifle Association~Institute for Legislative Action

New Mexico State Liaison