Public Safety ERPO Bill Introduced on House Floor
SANTA FE )KSMX)- House Bill 7, Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, sponsored by Representative Daymon Ely (D-Corrales) and Representative Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), was introduced to the New Mexico House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The bill is said to be a tool to help prevent violent crimes by allowing families and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily suspend a person’s access to firearms if that person was deemed to pose an immediate threat to themselves or others.
“We can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening with violence in our country,” said Representative Daymon Ely (D-Corrales). “Two-thirds of New Mexicans agree – we must take action to protect our kids, our families and our communities. This bill will give law enforcement and our courts an immediate, fast, and certain procedure to protect our communities and save lives with due process built into the bill.”
“This is an important tool in preventing mass shootings and suicides,” said Representative Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque). “This law will save lives while ensuring due process for respondents, just as it has in states that have already taken this step. This in no way infringes upon the rights of a law-abiding gun owner.”
New Mexico’s rate of suicide by firearm is 50% higher than the U.S. average, and is the 4th highest in the nation.
House Bill 7 has been assigned to House Consumer Public Affairs Committee.
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