Santa Fe, NM - Today bipartisan legislation was introduced by Speaker W. Ken Martinez (D-Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, San Juan, Socorro & Valencia-69) and Representative Bill Rehm (R-Bernalillo-31) to establish a lifetime ban on possession of a firearm or a destructive device for felons.
 
HB 10 makes it unlawful for a felon to receive, transport, or possess a firearm or destructive device in New Mexico. Violation of this law will result in a fourth-degree felony in accordance of the Criminal Sentencing Act.
 
The definitions of a destructive device include:
Explosives, incendiary or poison gas devices
Bombs and grenades
Rockets that have a propellant charge of more than four ounces
Missiles having explosive or incendiary charge of more than one forth of an ounce
Mines or similar devices
All firearms
 
Speaker Martinez said “Safety of all New Mexicans is a top priority for both parties in the Roundhouse. I am excited to work with Representative Bill Rehm on this legislation. Keeping guns out of the hands of felons is something we all agree on.”
 
“Unfortunately our state statutes have been in conflict with Federal Law, confusing New Mexicans,” said Representative Rehm regarding HB 10. “I embrace Speaker Martinez’s support to end this confusion by aligning New Mexico law with Federal Law on who may possess a firearm.”
 
Federal law already excludes felons from possession of firearms; however loopholes at the state level still allow many felons to believe they can legally possess firearms. Speaker Martinez and Representative Rehm hope this common sense gun legislation will receive bipartisan support in the House and Senate as well as support from the Governor.
 
House Bill 10 has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee for further review.