Roundhouse Democrats news conference, 1/21/13
New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez (D-Belen) told reporters on Monday morning (Jan. 21) that “there might be some other pieces of legislation to be introduced” in the current 60-day legislative session concerning gun control after five people were shot and killed in Albuquerque over the weekend.
“These tragedies need to stop,” Sen. Sanchez said a news conference hosted by Democratic state senators and representatives although he didn’t offer any specifics. “We need to talk about these issues in common sense terms, not emotional terms.”
This past Saturday, 15-year-old Nehemiah Griego allegedly killed five members of his family in the South Valley. Police found several guns believed to be used in the shootings, including one described by authorities as a semi-automatic assault-type rifle.
Currently, there is one gun control bill that’s been introduced in this current session – House Bill 77 that’s sponsored by Rep. Miguel Garcia (D-Albuquerque) that would require background checks at gun shows in New Mexico as well as instituting background checks on those who buy guns in private transactions.
If passed, Garcia’s bill would have the Department of Public Safety establish a hotline that would be open seven days a week to respond to background checks made at gun shows and private transactions.
Speaker of the House W. Ken Martinez (D-Grants) was asked directly if he would favor an assault weapons ban but he hedged.
“Everything’s on the table,” Speaker Martinez said before saying, “I’d have to look at the language that’s introduced.”
Over the weekend, more than 100 Second Amendment supporters had a National Gun Appreciation Day rally at the State Capitol Building.
“I’ve been carrying (a firearm) since I was six, and I’m 39 now,” Tim Dumler told KOB-TV. “I’ve been carrying for 33 years. I’ve never committed a violent crime and I do not feel like I should be punished for the actions of a few crazies.”
Gov. Susana Martinez recently said the state should consider taking steps to prevent the mentally ill from getting guns and on Monday Sanchez — who has often locked horns with the Republican governor — echoed that.
“We need to take mental illness seriously and increase funding,” Sanchez said.
While Garcia has introduced a gun control bill, Republican Zach Cook (R-Ruidoso) has introduced a bill to allow allow concealed firearms in licensed liquor establishments and restaurants.
“I’m not completely tone deaf. I know the recent tragedies have heightened sensitivities, but I hope we can have a rational conversation about this,” Cook told Milan Simonich of the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership.
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Both chambers of the Legislature had moments of silence Monday morning for former state Sen. Eric Griego (D-Albuquerque) whose brother Greg was killed in the Saturday attack.
