House Committee Debates Resolution on New Mexico Firearm Restrictions: Critical Decision Looms

House Committee Debates Resolution on New Mexico Firearm Restrictions: Critical Decision Looms

The House Committee on Rules is set to make a pivotal decision on a resolution condemning the temporary firearm restrictions implemented by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Representative Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington, proposed the resolution. This move comes after Governor Grisham adjusted her firearm restrictions, following their rejection by Federal Judge David Urias.

The committee’s decision will determine whether the resolution advances to a hearing on the House floor. The meeting to decide the fate of the resolution began at 2 p.m. on Monday. The main points of contention center around the temporary firearm restrictions implemented by Governor Grisham, which have met opposition from certain factions within the House of Representatives.

Rep. McGovern (D-MA) strongly criticizes the House GOP’s resolution condemning Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D-NM) temporary firearms restrictions in Bernalillo County, asserting, “This resolution amounts to mere symbolism, offering no meaningful protection for our constituents against the genuine threat of gun violence.”

On the other hand, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) rebukes the House GOP for their resolution condemning Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) regarding her public health order that temporarily restricts firearms in Bernalillo County, emphasizing, “Gun violence is a pressing issue that the governor of New Mexico couldn’t disregard within her state.”

Temporary Firearm Restrictions: The Backstory

Following a spate of gun violence, including the tragic shooting deaths of three children, Governor Grisham issued a 30-day ban on public open and concealed carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and surrounding areas in Bernalillo County. The ban excludes law enforcement and licensed security officers. The decree came a day after Governor Grisham declared gun violence a statewide public health emergency, citing a 43% increase in gun deaths in New Mexico from 2009 to 2018.

The firearm restrictions have faced opposition from gun rights groups, law enforcement officials, and elected leaders. The National Association for Gun Rights and one of its Albuquerque-based members filed a lawsuit, arguing that the ban violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Two Republican state representatives, John Block and Stefani Lord, have called for the governor’s impeachment over the orders.

Enforcement and Penalties for Violation

According to Governor Grisham, the temporary gun ban will be enforced by the state police, and violators would face a fine of up to $5,000. The ban will not be enforced on private property. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina clarified that it would be the state police’s responsibility to enforce the order, not the Albuquerque Police Department.

The temporary firearm restrictions have sparked a heated debate over constitutional rights and public safety. While some applaud the governor’s actions as a necessary response to curb gun violence, others argue that the measures infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. The outcome of the House Committee on Rules’ decision could significantly impact the future of gun control legislation and the public’s perception of the Second Amendment rights in New Mexico and possibly beyond.