Compromise Being Evaluated for Gun Show Background Check Bill

SANTA FE  — Action on a bill to require background checks on all guns sold at a gun show was delayed late Monday after the House Judiciary Committee determined more analysis was necessary of a proposed compromise amendment.

The expanded bill is expected to be reconsidered by House Judiciary on Friday, said Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, the committee chair.

The committee previously voted to table House Bill 77, introduced by Rep. Miguel Garcia, D-Albuquerque. But Garcia on Monday proposed changing the bill to eliminate required background checks for private person-to-person gun transfers, and the legislation was reconsidered. The substitute version of the bill would also have the required background checks conducted by a federal agency rather than a state office.

The new draft of HB 77 would only require background checks for sales at a gunshow. Under the proposal, transferring a weapon at a gun show without a background check would be a misdemeanor offense.

During debate of the bill late Monday, Republican Whip Nate Gentry, of Albuquerque, proposed additional compromise amendments. While Democrats on the committee voiced support for the changes, the committee chairwoman said further analysis would be necessary before the committee could take a vote on the amended.

Look for additional information about the proposed amendments to the gun show background checks bill at abqjournal.com on Tuesday.