GIFFORDS Applauds Governor Lujan Grisham, New Mexico Legislature for Passing Gun Safety Laws
Washington DC — Today, New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham signed into law two bills that would enact a waiting period to buy a gun and protect polling locations from guns. GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, commended Governor Grisham and the New Mexico legislature for their leadership on gun safety.
Sean Holihan, GIFFORDS State Legislative Director, on HB 129, Waiting Periods:
“Waiting periods create a buffer between the time a gun is purchased and possessed, which can help prevent impulsive acts of gun violence. This period can also give law enforcement the additional time they need to complete background checks. GIFFORDS thanks the legislature and Governor Lujan Grisham for their leadership in protecting their communities from gun violence.”
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth on SB 5, Guns at Polling Locations:
“Guns and polling locations simply don’t mix. The Supreme Court has recognized this as have states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and Louisiana. I’m proud of our efforts to make our valued voters and poll workers feel safe from the threat of gun violence or intimidation and for New Mexico to be the first state in this presidential election year to take action.”
Allison Anderman, attorney working with GIFFORDS, on SB 5, Guns at Polling Locations:
“We are grateful to Senator Wirth and New Mexico for leading the way in 2024 to protect election workers and voters from gun violence and intimidation at the polls. At this moment, we are facing so many challenges to American democracy, and it is important to ensure that people can safely vote and administer elections without the fear of gun violence or intimidation. We are hopeful and confident that other states will follow New Mexico’s lead this year.”
HB 129, sponsored by Senator Joseph Cervantes and Representatives Andrea Romero and Dayan Hochman-Vigil, creates a seven-day waiting period. Waiting periods are commonsense measures that help prevent impulsive acts of gun violence or gun suicide.
SB 5, sponsored by Senators Peter Wirth and Joseph Cervantes, bans guns at polling locations. GIFFORDS Guns & Democracy project points legislators to solutions like this bill that protects the voting process from gun violence and armed intimidation.
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