Senate Republicans Respond to Advancement of 14-Day Waiting Period for Firearms Purchases 

Bill would mandate the longest waiting period to buy a firearm in the nation

SANTA FE – Today, Senate Bill 69 advanced through the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on a vote of 5-3, with all Senate Republicans voting against the measure. The bill would mandate the longest waiting period to buy a firearm in the nation at 14 days. During testimony, the sponsor acknowledged that current litigation regarding similar measures in other states may overturn this legislation. 

The Senate Republican members of the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, Senator Gregg Schmedes (R-Tijeras), Senator Greg Nibert (R-Roswell), and Senator Steven McCutcheon (R-Carlsbad), all voted against the measure and released the following statements:

“The sponsor of the bill failed to provide me with a single example of constitutionality for his proposed law,” said Senator Schmedes. “Rather, he called the recent SCOTUS opinion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen ‘absurd’ and predicts they will change their minds on the issue. So let’s call this what it really is—an attempt to curb and constrain the lawful purchase of firearms by law-abiding citizens.“

“The New Mexico Constitution is clear: ‘No law shall abridge the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use and for other lawful purposes,’” added Senator McCutcheon. “Clearly, this would abridge the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people of New Mexico, and I hope the legislators who swore an oath to abide by the Constitution will vote against it.”