House Memorial 65 requests the New Mexico Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, to establish a task force aimed at researching health and firearm safety policies to develop recommendations for reducing firearm violence in the state. The memorial highlights the significant public health crisis posed by firearm violence, particularly its impact on children and the alarming rates of gun-related deaths and suicides in New Mexico. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues surrounding firearm safety and violence, including the intersection of gun violence with alcohol misuse.

The task force is instructed to review various aspects of firearm regulation, including effective licensing laws, policies regarding semiautomatic weapons and large capacity magazines, and the implications of previous convictions on firearm ownership. It will also consider the alignment of state and federal laws regarding felons in possession of firearms and the licensing of tobacco and firearms retailers. The task force will consist of representatives from multiple sectors, including health care, education, law enforcement, and community organizations, and is expected to report its findings by September 15, 2026.