The bill amends Section 1-20-24 NMSA 1978, which addresses unlawful possession of firearms at polling places. It specifies that unlawful possession includes having a loaded or unloaded firearm within certain distances from polling locations, including school buildings and county clerk offices, during early voting and on election day. The bill outlines exemptions to this prohibition, particularly for certified law enforcement officers and introduces new provisions for commissioned law enforcement officers with arrest powers, allowing them to carry firearms while performing their official duties.

Additionally, the bill modifies the list of exemptions by removing previous language and adding new categories. It now includes provisions for commissioned law enforcement officers acting in accordance with their agency's policies, while also maintaining exemptions for individuals in private vehicles and those with valid concealed handgun licenses. The penalties for unlawful possession remain as a petty misdemeanor, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense while clarifying the legal framework surrounding firearm possession at polling places.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-20-24