Contentious gun bill squeaks through committee after hours of debate

After hours of debate and uproar from both sides of the aisle, a bill that would ban the sale or possession of certain types of firearms with the aim of increasing public safety has passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

The committee on Wednesday heard public comments on Senate Bill 17, also known as the Stop Illegal Gun Act — a Democratic-backed bill that would require licensed gun dealers to keep inventory records and implement security measures. The bill would also classify gas-operated semiautomatic firearms, .50 caliber rifles and magazines holding more than 10 rounds as dangerous weapons.

A proposed amendment that would have struck a section from the bill to restrict certain weapons failed on a 5-6 vote after a lengthy discussion from lawmakers. A motion to table the bill also failed by the same tally.

Roughly five hours after the discussion began, the bill passed with a 6-5 vote. Now, the bill will be sent to the House Judiciary Committee. If the bill passes that committee, it will go to the full House before possibly heading to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

In a statement after the bill's passage, New Mexico House Republicans called it "an outright assault on the Second Amendment and on the freedoms of responsible New Mexicans."

"Instead of addressing the violent crime crisis plaguing our communities, Democrats are choosing to punish law-abiding citizens and small business owners. That is not public safety. That is political theater," according to the statement.

Democrats celebrated the bill taking another step toward law.

Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, said in a statement, "SB 17 allows us to take commonsense steps to reduce gun violence and improve public safety by holding retailers more accountable for enforcing our existing laws, while prohibiting the sale of the most dangerous, military-grade weapons used in mass shootings.”

Dozens of people showed up for public comment during the hearing Wednesday, from local gun store owners and law enforcement officers to school teachers and victims of gun violence.

Lawmakers allowed each person one minute to speak. 

Those in opposition called the bill an attack on the Second Amendment and said it would punish rural New Mexicans for issues affecting urban New Mexicans.

Nicholas Sutherland, a surgeon from Santa Fe, called the legislation "two bills wearing a trench coat pretending to be one." He stated that the firearms lawmakers were attempting to ban were not weapons of war. 

Marine veteran Michael Sanders said that disarming the average citizen would leave them in danger and that a trained, lawful gun owner can prevent and stop violence in certain circumstances. 

Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Las Cruces and chairwoman of the committee, banged her gavel and threatened to kick members out of the hearing after an argument sparked.

Supporters of the bill spoke of how gun violence had taken their loved ones and left them traumatized. They cited data on skyrocketing gun violence in the state and referenced cases of gun store purchases ending up in the wrong hands — with one being found on a student at West Mesa High School.

Regina Griego, whose nephew, at 15, shot and killed his siblings and parents, said the bill would curtail the flow of illicit guns in the state and save lives.

Prior to the committee hearing, Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, said on Facebook that she vehemently rejected SB 17 and stated that it failed as both a public safety and an economic policy while calling the bill "reckless."

"SB 17 does not target criminals," she wrote. "Instead, SB 17 places crushing regulatory, surveillance, and reporting burdens on law-abiding, federally licensed firearm dealers and the New Mexicans who legally purchase firearms to protect themselves and their families."

The New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops endorsed the bill in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. 

Signed by Archbishop of Santa Fe John Wester, Gallup Diocese Bishop James Wall and Las Cruces Diocese Bishop Peter Baldacchino, the statement said the conference of bishops fully supported the bill and said they would continue to pray for all those affected by gun violence.

"We know that we must keep in mind the victims of gun violence, reduce the number of military-style weapons on the street, and hold dealers accountable," the statement said. "Despite the possibility of constitutional challenges, we must advance legislation that protects society." 

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.