The New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee hears the GOSAFE Act (Senate Bill 279) during a meeting on February 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. The proceedings will be accessible to the public via the New Mexico Legislature's Webcast function on their website.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Senate Bill 279, also known as the Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearms Exclusion Act, aims to regulate the sale, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and accessories within the state. The bill prohibits the sale or transfer of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms, large-capacity ammunition devices, and rapid-fire devices starting in 2025. It also mandates a certification process for firearms subject to these regulations. Violations of this act could result in criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Exemptions are provided for government agencies, law enforcement, and specific security functions.
SB279 is anticipated to have fiscal implications, particularly concerning incarceration costs and administrative duties. The enforcement of this bill may lead to an increase in prison populations due to new crimes and penalties introduced by these regulations. Various state agencies, including the Attorney General's office and law enforcement bodies, would face additional expenses related to maintaining and enforcing these new rules. Furthermore, there could be economic impacts on firearm dealers and manufacturers because of restrictions on sales and transfers.
Legal challenges against SB279 might emerge due to potential conflicts with both the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and New Mexico’s own constitutional guarantee of the right to bear arms. The classification of firearms based on internal mechanisms within this bill could attract legal scrutiny, especially regarding its prohibition of rapid-fire devices and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
The Judiciary Committee is a standing committee within the New Mexico State Senate tasked with reviewing all bills, resolutions, and memorials before they are finalized. This includes ensuring that documents are correctly enrolled and engrossed before leaving the Senate. According to Ballotpedia, committee members are appointed by their peers within the committee itself but require Senate approval for those appointments. The current leadership comprises Senator Joseph Cervantes as Chair, Senator Antonio Maestas as Vice Chair, and Senator Crystal Brantley as Ranking Member.
