Legislators in New Mexico passed a series of new gun laws earlier this month that, if enacted, could remove several widely owned semi-automatic firearms from legal sale, directly affecting both buyers and licensed gun dealers in the state.
The “Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act” — SB 17 — would prohibit the sale of “extremely dangerous weapons.”
Under the bill, that would include gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, .50 caliber rifles and ammunition, “high-capacity magazines” holding more than 10 rounds, and machine guns.
SB 17 defines a “gas-operated firearm” as any semi-auto that uses long-stroke or short-stroke pistons, an impingement system, blowback action, or hybrid system that also “harnesses or traps a portion of the high-pressure gas from a fired cartridge to cycle the action.”
Basically, that means firearms like ARs of all varieties, AKs, M1As, FN SCAR and FAL, HK416, M1 Carbine, Mini-14/30, and CZ Brens would be on the chopping block and no longer sold in the state starting July 1, 2026. There are, of course, carve-outs for military and law enforcement.
Supporters say the bill will ensure residents’ safety.
“New Mexicans deserve to feel safe in their communities, and that means keeping guns out of the hands of criminals,” Gov. Lujan Grisham (D) said in a statement. “This bill holds gun dealers to the same basic standards expected of any responsible business — securing inventory, training employees, and preventing illegal sales.”
But opponents of the bill say the legislation unconstitutionally targets law-abiding citizens.
“Today, Democrats in Santa Fe decided that the rights of New Mexicans to protect themselves and their families should be eliminated,” Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) explained in a statement.
“Listen to the words they say, they have repeatedly admitted this bill is unconstitutional, yet they are forcing it upon law-abiding citizens. New Mexicans deserve to be represented by elected officials who take their oaths of office seriously, not by activists who hate our Constitution and who promote fringe radical policies designed to undermine the very foundation of our nation.”
Bill sponsors emphasized that bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, pump-action shotguns, single-shot rifles, .22 LR rifles, and firearms with fixed magazines of fewer than 10 rounds would still be available for purchase. Of course, any other non-gas-operated semi-auto rifle would also still be on gun store shelves.
The penalty for selling any restricted item would be a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1,000.
In addition to prohibiting the sale of certain firearms, the bill also lays out provisions for FFLs, namely, more stringent employee security, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.
Dealers would be required to install security alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and locks/bars/metal doors by December 1, 2026. Video recordings would also have to be kept for at least two years.
Employees would have to be 21 years of age or older to handle or sell firearms, and background checks would be mandated on all employees. Training would also be required within 30 days of employment, covering firearm laws, straw purchases, theft prevention, and gun safety. This training would also be required annually for all employees.
Dealers would also have to maintain detailed records of all firearms transactions and inventory, with monthly inventory checks required by the state. Form 4473s would be required to be stored for the lifespan of the business.
Finally, dealers would have to report multiple firearms sales within 5 business days and report losses/thefts within 48 hours to authorities. Trace requests must be submitted quarterly to the state, and the business must respond to law enforcement trace requests within 24 hours. Annual reports on firearms sold, including make and model, would also need to be submitted to the Department of Public Safety by March 31 each year.
The Department of Public Safety Agency estimates that enforcing the bill would cost the state over $1.5 million per year.
From here, SB17 heads to the state House for further consideration.
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