The Roundhouse in Santa Fe pictured Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)
The New Mexico House of Representatives approved changes to a seven-day waiting period for most gun sales, sending the proposal to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk.
Although the House previously passed House Bill 129 on Feb. 2, it had to agree with the changes made when it passed the Senate. Representatives did so after an hour-and-a-half of debate on Monday night in a 36-32 vote.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 7 amended the bill to not require the wait on sales to people holding federal firearms licenses or concealed handgun licenses, law enforcement agencies, between two certified police officers authorized to carry a gun, and between immediate family members.
On the House floor, lead sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) explained the bill also exempts sales to people who hold a concealed handgun license issued by other states that have reciprocity with New Mexico.
The committee also exempted gun silencers from the waiting period.