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 be guilty of a second-degree felony for a first offense and a first-degree felony for any subsequent offenses. This replaces the previous penalty structure, which classified a felon found in possession of a firearm as guilty of a third-degree felony. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of "felon" and "serious violent felon," ensuring that individuals who have not been pardoned or who have received a deferred sentence within the last ten years are included under these definitions.

Furthermore, the bill maintains the existing prohibitions against certain individuals, such as those subject to protective orders or convicted of specific crimes, from receiving, transporting, or possessing firearms or destructive devices. It also establishes that individuals in these categories who violate the law will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The bill aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties on individuals with felony convictions who possess firearms, thereby addressing concerns related to gun violence and recidivism among felons.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-7-16