The bill amends Section 30-7-16 of the New Mexico Statutes to increase the penalties for felons found in possession of firearms. Under the new provisions, a felon who violates this section will face a second-degree felony charge for their first offense and a first-degree felony charge for any subsequent offenses. This replaces the previous penalty structure, which classified possession by a felon as a third-degree felony. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals subject to an order of protection or convicted of certain crimes who possess firearms will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

The bill also introduces definitions for key terms such as "felon," "firearm," and "serious violent felon," ensuring that the legal language is clear and comprehensive. The definitions specify the conditions under which a person is considered a felon, including time since conviction and whether they have been pardoned or received a deferred sentence. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding firearm possession by individuals with felony convictions, thereby enhancing public safety.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-7-16