Shooting straight matters in N.M.

New Mexico should be able to keep its citizens safe — and that means making sure people who want to carry concealed weapons follow our laws, not weaker laws passed elsewhere. The ability to enforce laws that suit New Mexicans could be threatened by a national push to approve legislation that would allow people to carry concealed weapons across state lines. Called “reciprocity,” the legislation would require states to recognize all licenses issued in other states. Right now, New Mexico acknowledges only concealed handgun licenses or permits from other states with similar requirements. That shouldn’t change.

With Congress preparing for its August recess, this is a good time to let legislators know that such reciprocity legislation is bad for New Mexico. The state should not be forced to recognize concealed handgun permits from states with weaker training and screening standards — and that’s as many as 25 other states, according to the Americans for Responsible Solutions, an anti-gun violence group.

This issue of whether New Mexico will be allowed to set its own rules should become an issue in the governor’s race. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, the only Republican from New Mexico in Congress, is one of 200 sponsors of the House reciprocity bill. He will have to tell voters why he thinks New Mexico standards should not prevail. We’d also like to see a discussion on how New Mexico can strengthen its concealed-carry law; some states, for example allow the agency issuing the license greater discretion to deny a permit under certain circumstances. That’s something to consider.

For Second Amendment purists, lawful citizens should be able to carry weapons. It’s a matter of their constitutional rights, whether in New Mexico or another state. However, New Mexico’s concealed-carry law passes constitutional muster while ensuring that people who choose to carry hidden guns are trained and screened.

Folks in the gun lobby say that bad guys will carry guns, no matter the law. That’s true. But the rest of us can make sure people who feel the need to tote guns around can at least shoot straight. New Mexico’s concealed-carry license requirements call for at least 15 hours of classroom and firing range instruction. Those classes aren’t just for show, either. Wouldbe gun carriers who can’t hit the target are sent home. The standards have meaning. Applicants are screened for felony convictions, adjudicated mental health issues and recent brushes with the law.

Setting standards will safeguard the public. Candidates seeking to represent this state should stand up for laws that protect its residents — laws approved in New Mexico, by New Mexicans. Otherwise, voters won’t be able to trust them to put New Mexico first.