On Wednesday, Governor Bill Richardson (D) signed HB 641, the NRA-backed Right To Carry Reform bill, into law while visiting the NRA Whittington Center in Raton. HB 641, sponsored by Rep. John Heaton (D-Carlsbad) and Sen. Shannon Robinson (D-Albuquerque), lowers the minimum age requirement for a Concealed Handgun License from 25 to 21, extends the term of a license from 2 to 4 years, and allows the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to enter into reciprocal agreements with certain other states. The law will take effect on June 17. We will keep you posted on any public hearings scheduled in late spring or early summer to discuss implementation of this new law.
Thank you for your calls and emails during the legislative session to help pass HB 641!