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Committee approves substitute for concealed-carry changes after amendments; reciprocity and training hours debated
Summary
Senate Bill 507 substitute reduces some training requirements for concealed-carry licensing, adds applicants aged 19 to eligibility, raises penalties for carrying concealed without a permit, and struck a reciprocity provision; the committee approved a committee substitute after several amendments and votes.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 507 after several floor-style amendments and extended debate over qualification standards, reciprocity with other states, and the appropriate minimum age for concealed-carry license holders.
Sponsor summary: Senator Cervantes (presenter) said the bill seeks to increase the number of licensed concealed-carry holders by lowering some training burdens and simplifying renewal so more responsible owners carry with the higher standard of training. He framed the measure as distinguishing three categories of owners—responsible, irresponsible and criminal—and said the bill would encourage responsible ownership while increasing the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (the sponsor described that penalty as moved from a petty misdemeanor to a higher misdemeanor level).
Key changes and amendments: The committee considered and adopted multiple amendments, including clarifying renewal timeframes (an amendment changed the word "may" to "shall" to require a requalification if renewal occurs more than 120 days after expiration) and a debate over recognition of out-of-state permits. The committee removed broader reciprocity language that would have allowed more automatic cross-state recognition and discussed limiting reciprocity to transfers of out-of-state licenses that meet New Mexico’s standards. An amendment that would have set the minimum concealed-carry age at 21 (rather than 19) was proposed and then withdrawn by its mover after discussion.
Public comment: Proponents included concealed-carry license holders and New Mexico Counties, which supported the substitute as written; the NRA’s state director said he supported most of the measure but opposed the change removing reciprocity. Opponents and some senators expressed concern about lowering training requirements and the public-safety implications for younger holders.
Committee action: After three rounds of amendment, the committee moved and approved a do-pass on the committee substitute. The sponsor said the substitute would be prepared as a committee substitute for floor consideration.
Why it matters: The substitute changes training and renewal mechanics for conceal carry licenses, expands eligibility to 19-year-olds (subject to amendment/debate during the hearing), and changes reciprocity procedures; these are significant substantive shifts that affect concealed-carry practice and interstate recognition.
Next steps: The committee reported the substitute with a do-pass recommendation; the sponsor said staff will prepare the substitute text for the next stage.
