cuchulainn
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from the Albuquerque Tribune
http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/040803_news_guns.shtml
http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/040803_news_guns.shtml
New gun law takes wing
By Shea Andersen
SANDERSENABQTRIB.COM / 823-3621
Calls and e-mails are already coming in to the state Department of Public Safety about New Mexico's newest law, which allows people to carry loaded, concealed handguns.
Gov. Bill Richardson on Monday signed into law a concealed-carry measure sent to him by the Legislature. The Department of Public Safety will begin taking applications for permits Jan. 1, 2004.
"Judging from my e-mail, we're expecting a flood of applications," said Peter Olson, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety. "Lots of people are already inquiring about what they need to do to get their permits."
At Absolute Sporting Goods in Albuquerque, part owner James Reed said he expects to see sales of small handguns jump.
"It did the last time they passed it," Reed said.
In 2001, the Legislature passed a similar law that was overturned by the New Mexico Supreme Court because it allowed municipalities to impose local bans on concealed carry. That segment of the law was deemed unconstitutional.
Though the law died, Reed said that in 2001 sales of small handguns, such as .38-caliber revolvers, went up as much as 20 percent.
"We had a big push for concealed-carry type guns," he said.
This year's bill passed the Senate 32-9 and the House 50-19.
It amends current law, which allowed the carrying of a concealed but unloaded handgun but made it a petty misdemeanor to carry a concealed, loaded handgun. That misdemeanor was punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Now, applicants for a license to carry a concealed handgun must be 25 years of age and must satisfactorily complete a firearms training course approved by the Department of Public Safety. Anyone convicted of a felony, either in New Mexico or anywhere else in the country, will not be eligible.
In an interview after signing the bill, Richardson said the new law would send a message to criminals in New Mexico.
"They should be careful who they mess with in New Mexico," Richardson said.
In a prepared statement, Richardson said concealed carry is a long-held belief of his.
"This is a bill for law-abiding citizens," Richardson said.
But the measure inspired passionate debate in the Legislature when it returned for a vote this year.
Sen. Roman Maes, a Santa Fe Democrat, said Monday he was dismayed at Richardson's ratification of the measure.
"It's very sad. Conceptually, when humans have to resort to weapons of destruction, we've lost it all as a people," Maes said. "I've always felt that way. I'm 59 years old and I've done very well without a gun so far."
New Mexico will be the 34th state in the union to have concealed-carry laws, including Utah, Arizona, Texas and, recently, Colorado, said Dr. Tom Arvas, who sits on the national board for the National Rifle Association.
Arvas said many people in New Mexico took the necessary safety courses two years ago, when they thought they would be able to carry concealed handguns.
© The Albuquerque Tribune.