John Block, a New Mexico state representative, has criticized the state's recently enacted seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases. He described it as unconstitutional and a misuse of taxpayer funds to defend the measure. Block expressed his commitment to protecting gun rights in a statement on X.
"We warned far-left Democrats back when they passed the 7-day waiting period core firearm purchases bill that it was blatantly unconstitutional — and they rammed it through anyway," said JOHN BLOCK, New Mexico State Representative for 51st District (R). "They have now wasted an unknown tens of thousands of dollars defending it. No one fights harder for your Second Amendment rights than Rep. Stefani Lord and I!"
New Mexico's law, signed in May 2024, aimed to reduce impulsive shootings and allow more comprehensive background checks, according to AP News. However, on August 19, 2025, a federal appeals court blocked the law, ruling it likely unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. A dissenting judge argued that the law could potentially save dozens of lives annually. The law remains suspended pending further litigation.
According to a report by the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, approximately 3,800 individuals in the state acquire firearms each year due to incomplete background checks within the federal three-day window. The seven-day waiting period was designed to address this issue but has faced legal challenges delaying its enforcement. This situation underscores ongoing tensions between gun access and safety measures.
The Giffords Law Center reports that only 11 states and Washington, D.C., require waiting periods for gun purchases, with most lasting three to five days. New Mexico's seven-day rule places it among the strictest states alongside Rhode Island; California and Hawaii have even longer waits of 10 to 14 days. In contrast, neighboring states like Texas, Arizona, and Colorado do not impose such requirements.
Block has served as a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 51 since January 2023. A staunch advocate for Second Amendment rights, he opposes waiting-period laws and supports Constitutional carry legislation. He is also known as the founder of The Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet.
