House Bill 129, requiring a 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases, has been approved by the House and is now awaiting the governor’s approval. This is the first of over 20 public safety bills introduced by Governor Lujan Grisham in this legislative session. The governor believes the bill will contribute to reducing gun violence and suicides in New Mexico.
The bill proposes a waiting period, aimed at giving individuals time to reconsider decisions that could result in self-harm or harm to others. Multiple studies support this measure, showing that waiting periods can help prevent suicides and impulsive violence. The governor has called for swift action, as the legislative session is nearing completion.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has pointed out the high mortality rate of firearm-related suicides, which is around 90%. This fact highlights the potential benefits of the waiting period proposed by House Bill 129.
The approval of the bill is a major step in the governor’s public safety plan. With less than two days left in the legislative session, it is the only public safety bill that has been approved by both chambers. The governor has called on other legislators to take action for the benefit of New Mexicans.