State Representative Rebecca Dow has labeled the Semiautomatic Firearms Exclusion Act, also known as Senate Bill 279, as "unconstitutional." Dow made this assertion in a March 1 post on X.
"The unconstitutional bills keep coming," said Dow.
According to the details of SB 279, sponsored by State Senators Heather Berghmans and Micaelita Debbie O’Malley, along with Representatives Charlotte Little, Andrea Romero, and Patricia Roybal Caballero, the bill seeks to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms. It also aims to ban devices that increase the rate of fire of a firearm or approximate the action or rate of fire of a machine gun. The New Mexico Attorney General would be tasked with maintaining a list of affected firearms. However, firearms lawfully manufactured before July 1, 2025, and transferred and certified before January 1, 2026, would be exempt from this act.
Screenshot of State Representative Rebecca Dow's March 1 post on X
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On February 7, Anthony Segura, Executive Director of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA), voiced opposition to the bill in an interview with the New Mexico Sun. Segura expressed concerns that SB 279 could restrict access to widely owned firearms and negatively impact law-abiding citizens. He said that the proposed ban does not address crime and violence causes but instead penalizes responsible gun owners. Segura suggested that focusing on mental health initiatives and enforcing existing laws would yield better results.
Dow's post on X referenced a message from NMSSA indicating that Senate Bill 279 would be discussed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. According to NMSSA's February 28 post on X, the bill intends to ban the sale or transfer of all gas-operated rifles, handguns, and shotguns equipped with detachable magazines.
Rebecca Dow is a Republican politician representing Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra counties. She previously served as a state representative and reclaimed her seat in House District 38 in 2024 by defeating Democratic incumbent Tara Jaramillo. Her campaign focused on pro-business initiatives and education reform. Dow has been recognized for her contributions to early childhood education and community service.
