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House committee hears broad debate on Senate Bill 261 on firearms at polling sites and rolls the bill
Summary
Committee members and public witnesses debated Senate Bill 261, which would narrow exemptions allowing firearms near polling places; supporters cited voter safety and poll worker concerns while opponents asked to preserve concealed‑carry and off‑duty officer exemptions. The sponsor was absent and the committee rolled the bill for future consideration.
Lawmakers and public witnesses debated Senate Bill 261 in a House committee meeting, focusing on tightened exemptions to a 2024 law that prohibits firearms at polling locations. The bill’s stated aim is to "prevent violence and intimidation at polling places" and to keep polling locations firearm‑free, while narrowing prior exemptions.
Public commenters and organizational witnesses split on the measure. Nate Eske of the Zia Rifle and Pistol Club asked the committee to restore a concealed‑carry exemption, saying, "All we'd like is for the concealed carry exemption language to come back in." Nick Tuccio, state director of the National Rifle Association, opposed the bill and cited comparative statistics in arguing that licensed concealed carriers…
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