Senate Bill 17 now heads to House for consideration during 30-day session

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Senate on Saturday approved legislation aimed at curbing illegal gun trafficking and restricting the sale of certain high-capacity weapons, sending the measure to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senators passed Senate Bill 17, titled the Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act, during the second half of the 30-day legislative session. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Heather Berghmans and Debbie O’Malley along with Reps. Andrea Romero, Charlotte Little and Patricia Roybal Caballero.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has identified the measure as one of her top public safety priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

According to lawmakers and the governor’s office, the legislation would require federally licensed firearm dealers to adopt additional security and record-keeping practices intended to reduce illegal gun trafficking and so-called straw purchases, in which firearms are legally purchased and then transferred to people prohibited from owning them.

Provisions in the bill include requirements for gun dealers to maintain inventory controls, report thefts, train employees to identify suspicious purchasing activity and implement security measures such as surveillance systems and alarms.

The legislation would also prohibit the sale or transfer in New Mexico of certain firearms and accessories defined in the bill as “extremely dangerous,” including .50 caliber rifles, machine guns and detachable magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Exemptions would apply to certain low-caliber and manually operated firearms, antique firearms and transfers involving law enforcement, the military, tribal governments and licensed dealers or manufacturers.

Supporters say the measure is intended to address gun trafficking and reduce gun violence statewide.

The bill now moves to the New Mexico House of Representatives for consideration.