Gun safety legislation headed to House

SANTA FE — Legislation to enhance New Mexico’s “Red Flag Law” is now headed to the House floor, after passing the House Judiciary Committee HJC by a vote of 7-4 vote Feb. 5. House Bill 12 would make it easier for law enforcement to use the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Orders to temporarily suspend access to firearms for those deemed a threat to themselves or others.  The bill is sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt, D-Albuquerque, and Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, and Sens. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, and Heather Berghmans, D-Albuquerque. It would make the process easier to navigate for both law enforcement and individuals so that it can be more effectively enforced. “Our red flag law is already saving lives in New Mexico, but these updates will improve its effectiveness,” Garratt said. “This legislation eliminates procedural roadblocks that can delay the removal of firearms from someone who is a danger to themselves or others, and better protects New Mexicans’ safety.” Several other public safety bills sponsored by House Democrats are also on the docket to be heard in HJC after passing their initial committees in recent days:   House Bill 31: Fourth-Degree Felony for Shooting Threat House Bill 38: Possession of Weapon Conversion Device House Bill 39: Juvenile Record in Firearm Background Checks House Bill 50: Penalties for Vehicle Thefts House Bill 4: Criminal Competency and Treatment House Bill 86: Human Trafficking Changes House Bill 73: Childhood Sexual Abuse Statute Of Limitations