House sends firearm waiting period bill to governor

The New Mexico House of Representatives approved Senate changes to House Bill 129 by a vote of 36-32 in a legislative process known as concurrence Monday.

The amendments made by the Senate must be voted on by the House before it can head to the governor for a signature.

HB 129 would institute a seven-day waiting period between when an individual purchases and takes ownership of a firearm. This bill aims to help reduce gun violence, including suicides and mass shootings, by giving law enforcement more time to run background checks.

The approved Senate amendments would exempt concealed carry permit holders, federal firearms license holders and law enforcement officers from the waiting period, and allow a seller to transfer a firearm to a buyer if a federal background check has not been completed within 20 days.

“By instituting this waiting period between purchasing and acquiring firearms, we can prevent temporary moments of crisis from becoming tragedies and save lives,” said lead sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). “Having a waiting period on the books will also help law enforcement make sure firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands by providing more time to run background checks.”