SB-8 and a Companion House Bill Pre-Filed Monday Would Close a Dangerous Gap in Federal Law That Allows Convicted Criminals and Others With Dangerous Histories to Purchase Guns Without a Background Check
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Senator Richard Martinez, the Senate Judiciary Chairman, and Representative Debbie Sariñana for pre-filing bills to close the background check loophole in New Mexico.
Federal law requires licensed gun dealers to conduct criminal background checks on gun sales, but a loophole exists that allows unlicensed sales, including sales online and at gun shows, to take place without background checks. Twenty states have passed similar laws to close this loophole in federal law.
“I’m proud that our state is taking action to close this dangerous loophole in federal law,” said Emilie De Angelis, volunteer chapter leader with New Mexico Moms Demand Action. “New Mexico families and communities deserve real solutions to keep us safe, and requiring background checks on all gun sales is a fundamental step in ensuring guns don’t end up in the wrong hands.”
“It’s long past time for New Mexico to close the background check loophole that allows felons and domestic abusers to buy guns at gun shows and online,” said Senator Richard Martinez, the Senate bill’s sponsor. “Closing this loophole is common sense. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Roundhouse to ensure we get the job done and pass this background checks legislation in 2019.”