Concealed-carry gun bills prompt warning

A national gun-safety group on Tuesday stepped up pressure in New Mexico against proposed U.S. firearms legislation that would make states recognize concealed handgun permits from other states.

With members of Congress returning home for August recess, Americans for Responsible Solutions warned that concealed carry reciprocity legislation would undermine New Mexico’s rigorous training and screening standards for people seeking to obtain licenses so they can carry concealed handguns.

Robin Lloyd, director of government affairs for Americans for Responsible Solutions, warned that as many as 25 other states do not meet New Mexico’s requirements for background checks and firearms safety training for people authorized to carry concealed weapons.

New Mexico could be forced to allow unverified people from other states to carry concealed guns in public places under the proposed legislation, according to a flier distributed by the group.

The National Rifle Association has said momentum is building for House and Senate bills that enshrine rights to carry concealed weapons across state lines, though current bills have yet to reach initial committee assignments for discussion.

NRA spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen emphasized that the legislation would leave in place federal prohibitions on gun possession based on felony convictions, fugitive status and other risk factors.

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, the lone Republican in New Mexico’s delegation to Washington, is among more than 200 co-sponsors of the House reciprocity bill.