Unconstitutional Firearm and Magazine Ban Set for Senate Hearing — Senate Bill 279

Please Call Your State Senator Today!

On Sunday, March 2, the Senate Judiciary Committee announced it will hear SB 279 during its committee meeting scheduled for today, March 3. This is the most extensive firearm and magazine ban ever proposed in New Mexico. It is modeled after U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) unconstitutional GOSAFE Act that has been left pending before Congress since 2023.

The committee hearing is officially scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Room 321 of the State Capitol Building. However, it is likely to begin later due to extended Senate floor activity. To participate via Zoom, please see the instructions at the Senate Judiciary Committee agenda. The hearing may be watched and the start time monitored by accessing the “webcast” tab at the top of the New Mexico Legislature’s homepage.

SB 279 will prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, or transfer of hundreds of semi-automatic firearms that have been owned and used by New Mexicans for more for more than a century. This is a direct assault on the U.S. Constitution and the New Mexico State Constitution. The ban will also be imposed on “large-capacity ammunition feeding devices” – magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Any of these firearms or magazines owned prior to July 1, 2025 must be registered with the state.Registration has historically been a first, necessary step toward confiscation.

Take Action:

Please contact your State Senator today and urge him or her to oppose this clearly unconstitutional measure that will only affect the law-abiding, responsible gun owners and businesses in the state. To contact your State Senator, please click here. Then under “Political Body” choose “Senate.” Finally, enter your address in the box provided.