Despite Sheriffs Protests, New Mexico Gun Control Bill Advances

By Tom Knighton

AP Photo/Alan Diaz

While lawmakers in New Mexico have shown their desire to pass gun control regulations, sheriffs throughout the state have made a stand saying they won’t enforce the new laws. Since an unenforced law is nothing more than words on a piece of paper, many may have hoped that this would be enough reason for New Mexico lawmakers to take a step back from the gun control ledge.

Well, it looks like they’ve decided instead to go off at a sprint.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pushed back Tuesday against “rogue” county sheriffs who object to a state legislative proposal to expand background checks on firearms sales.

The state House and Senate have approved nearly identical bills to expand background checks to almost all private gun sales in New Mexico, and the House on Tuesday pushed forward with final approval of a Senate version that exempts gun sales to relatives including aunts, uncles and cousins.

The background-check bill is part of a slate of Democrat-sponsored proposals designed to stem gun violence that have drawn criticism from all but a few of the state’s sheriffs, while at least 18 counties have adopted “sanctuary” resolutions that say sheriffs should not be required …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms