Fairfax, VA—On Wednesday, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed House Bill 641, the Right-to-Carry Reform Bill, into law. This National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed legislation improves New Mexico’s existing Right-to-Carry laws and expands access to licenses by more law-abiding New Mexicans.
“These changes will encourage more law abiding New Mexicans to apply for a license and protect themselves in a lawful, responsible manner,” stated Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist.
New Mexico’s Right-to-Carry Reform Bill reduces the minimum age for permit applicants from 25 to 21, which will expand licensing opportunities to law-abiding gun owners previously prohibited from obtaining a Right-to-Carry license.
The bill also increases the lifespan of the license, from two to four years. Additionally, it allows the Department of Public Safety to enter into reciprocal agreements with other Right-to-Carry states.
“On behalf of NRA and our state affiliate, the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, I’d like to thank Governor Richardson for his strong support in seeing this bill become law,” continued Cox. “Thank you also to Rep. John Heaton and Sen. Shannon Robinson, as well as the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for their sponsorship and testimony for this bill in the legislature. New Mexico has heard and honored the will of the people to improve Right-to-Carry, and the NRA and our members are grateful to all who stood up for our Second Amendment freedoms.”
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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen`s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation`s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.