(USNewsBreak.com) – In the face of increasing violence, some state leaders have taken measures to prevent constituents from carrying guns in public, particularly in sensitive places. These locations include schools, parks, and playgrounds. One Democratic governor who sparked controversy last year is now at it again.
On Monday, March 4, Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM) signed four gun-related bills into law. They aim to increase public safety amid ongoing fears about gun violence.
Senate Bill 5 bans guns within 100 feet of a polling place while residents are voting. The bill contains notable exceptions, such as for law enforcement officers, those with concealed carry permits, and individuals with firearms in their vehicles. Violating this law, however, would result in misdemeanor charges.
New Mexico governor signs bill that bans some guns at polls https://t.co/J9tYAKZfGE
— POLITICO (@politico) March 5, 2024
Notably, Lujan Grisham also enacted an emergency ban last year that is still working its way through the courts. It resulted from the shooting of a child outside a baseball stadium in Albuquerque. Many constituents filed a petition claiming she overstepped her authority in trying to restrict law-abiding citizens rather than addressing the true cause of violence. The state’s Supreme Court is considering the action at this time.
In addition to banning firearms from polling places, Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 129, establishing a seven-day waiting period for those purchasing guns.
The other two public safety bills she signed into law include Senate Bill 96 and Senate Bill 271, which apply harsher penalties to those who commit crimes. The first raises the potential jail sentence for attempted murder from three years to nine years. The second puts a no-bond hold on repeat felony offenders, meaning should they violate the conditions of release, they will return to jail until their court dates.
This barrage wasn’t the end of the road, though. The New Mexico governor wanted to hold another special session on public safety, but it’s unclear when or if that will happen.
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