FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2020
Contact: Mike Letwenko, michael.letwenko@nmlegis.gov, 505-986-4385
A bipartisan group of New Mexico Legislators are united in opposition to SB5, the so-called “red-flag” gun bill, which would deny citizens’ Second Amendment rights without due process. However, the measure narrowly passed the New Mexico Senate on Friday by a vote of 22-20.
Under SB5, any person could be “red flagged” on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations. The majority of the “red flag” orders would result in mandatory confiscation of firearms and ammunition without due process or advance notice to the affect person, or the opportunity to explain or defend themselves before a judge.
“This bill completely disregards due process for the individual” said Senator Craig Brandt _R-Rio Rancho), “It endangers civil liberties. It’s an assault on the U.S. Constitution.”
There is no requirement to establish an “extreme risk,” and no medical or expert evidence is needed regarding the person who is the target of the “red flag” petition.
Even the ACLU in California has opposed similar legislation, citing the protection of individual civil liberties, and the potential for the misuse and abuse of such a law.
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**CALL TO ACTION**
SB 5 will be heard tomorrow, TUESDAY the 11th, in the House Consumer and Public Affairs committee. It’s 3 Democrats to 2 Republicans.
“Hi, my name is ____ and my zip code is____ and I am a resident of New Mexico and I want _____ to vote NO on SB5.”
Representative Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson – (D)
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4425
Capitol Room: 314B
Email: liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov
Representative Andrea Romero – (D)
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4254
Capitol Room: 203CN
Email: andrea@andrearomero.com
Representative Angelica Rubio – (D)
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4227
Capitol Room: 203A
Office Phone: (575) 616-1090
Email: angelica.rubio@nmlegis.gov