Concealed handgun bill sent to governor
By The Associated Press
SANTA FE - New Mexicans could legally carry loaded handguns in their pockets or purses under a bill lawmakers sent Gov. Bill Richardson on Friday.
The governor says he intends to sign the measure.
The Senate took the final action on the bill, agreeing on a voice vote to go along with changes the House had made to the legislation.
"We can live with these. It creates a workable act," said Sen. Shannon Robinson, D-Albuquerque.
Among the House changes: restricting the concealed handgun licenses to those 25 and over.
Under the proposal, eligible New Mexicans could get two-year licenses to carry handguns of a specific calibers after paying $100 application fees, completing approved firearms training courses and passing criminal background checks.
Under current law, New Mexicans can legally carry loaded guns if they're in plain view - with some exceptions - and concealed guns if they're unloaded. It's also legal to have a loaded gun in a vehicle.
But carrying a concealed, loaded handgun is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Two years ago, the Legislature passed a concealed-carry bill that was signed by then-Gov. Gary Johnson.
But the state Supreme Court invalidated it last year because it contained a provision that allowed cities and counties to opt out and ban concealed weapons.
By The Associated Press
SANTA FE - New Mexicans could legally carry loaded handguns in their pockets or purses under a bill lawmakers sent Gov. Bill Richardson on Friday.
The governor says he intends to sign the measure.
The Senate took the final action on the bill, agreeing on a voice vote to go along with changes the House had made to the legislation.
"We can live with these. It creates a workable act," said Sen. Shannon Robinson, D-Albuquerque.
Among the House changes: restricting the concealed handgun licenses to those 25 and over.
Under the proposal, eligible New Mexicans could get two-year licenses to carry handguns of a specific calibers after paying $100 application fees, completing approved firearms training courses and passing criminal background checks.
Under current law, New Mexicans can legally carry loaded guns if they're in plain view - with some exceptions - and concealed guns if they're unloaded. It's also legal to have a loaded gun in a vehicle.
But carrying a concealed, loaded handgun is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Two years ago, the Legislature passed a concealed-carry bill that was signed by then-Gov. Gary Johnson.
But the state Supreme Court invalidated it last year because it contained a provision that allowed cities and counties to opt out and ban concealed weapons.
