Gun Control Lobby-backed measure clears first hurdle despite strong Republican and gun rights opposition, with more legislative steps ahead.
On January 28, 2026, the New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted along party lines to advance Senate Bill 17, an “Assault Weapons” Ban.
The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Debbie O’Malley (D-Albuquerque) and others, prohibits the sale or transfer of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms that accept detachable magazines or hold over 10 rounds, .50 caliber rifles, and imposes expensive security and operational requirements on gun shops.
In her State of the State address on the opening day of the session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called on legislators to pass an “Assault Weapons” Ban after the Legislature’s failed attempt last year.
To reach the Governor’s desk before the end of the session on February 19th, the bill must still pass the Senate Judiciary Committee, a full Senate vote and committees and final votes in the House of Representatives.
The National Association for Gun Rights mobilized hundreds of gun owners last year, and is doing the same this year by collecting petitions and forwarding gun rights supporters into key elected officials’ offices via phone and email.
If you live in New Mexico and want to contact key legislators to tell them to OPPOSE SB 17, please click here.
Read more at NM Political Report.
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