Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently commended the New Mexico House of Representatives for its bipartisan approval of legislation designed to establish harsher penalties for violent gun offenses, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.

The legislation, known as House Bill 68 (HB 68), would also make it illegal to threaten someone with violence in specific public areas, including schools, religious institutions, or businesses.

It was passed just one week after a New Mexico police officer was shot by an individual who was illegally in possession of a firearm.

"Every New Mexican deserves to be safe in their community; every New Mexico law enforcement officer should be able to serve their community and return home safely," Grisham said. "It is essential that violent offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

Additionally, the law strengthens penalties for anyone who is caught in possession of a weapon while committing a crime, regardless of whether or not the weapon was used.

The bill's supporters believe that the additional penalties will contribute to community safety by putting violent offenders behind bars for longer periods of time, according to a Yahoo news report.

HB 68 must make its way through one Senate committee before going to the Senate floor for a vote.