New Mexico lawmakers propose stricter regulations on gun stores
By Julian Paras
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SANTA FE, N.M. (KOAT) — New Mexico lawmakers are considering new regulations for firearms dealers, sparking a debate with store owners who argue existing laws are sufficient. Keith Bledsoe, co-owner of Rose’s Guns and More, LLC. in Moriarty, has faced challenges with individuals attempting to straw purchase or buy multiple guns.
“It just puts a big stranglehold on us,” Bledsoe said, referencing regulations the state has already put in place.
He recounted an incident where a customer tried to make multiple purchases, saying, “I only had one guy actually ever try that. And I say, ‘Dude, you know, you’re going to get written up for multiple sales.'”
Bledsoe emphasized that the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco would catch such attempts immediately, and he would not allow them as a dealer.
State Democrats, however, view the situation differently.
“The fact that we’re allowing this to continue to happen in our communities is alarming,” said Rep. Andrea Romero.
Democrats plan to introduce legislation based on data from Everytown for Gun Safety, aiming to add more regulations to firearms dealers.
The report from Everytown released in 2023 data from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that 4,847 guns used in crimes in New Mexico were recovered and traced by law enforcement officials. More than 75% of those guns were originally purchased from licensed firearm dealers in New Mexico.
“We really want to focus on the adoption of security measures for these dealers, accurate tracking of their inventory, training for their employees,” Sen. Heather Berghmans said.
New Mexico Republican Sen. Crystal Brantley expressed a desire for legislation addressing repeat offenders and juvenile crime rates.
“When are they going to start demanding increased oversight of the repeat criminals that keep plaguing New Mexico?” Brantley said.
Store owners like Bledsoe argue that additional regulations would make it harder for them to stay in business.
“Enforce the laws we have. We’ve got enough. They can get anybody for anything they want if they use the laws that they have on the books,” Bledsoe said.
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