The New Mexico House of Representatives has passed House Bill 49, which would increase penalties for convicted violent felons found illegally possessing firearms. The measure received strong bipartisan support, passing by a vote of 54-9, and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
If enacted, HB 49 would raise the penalty for firearm possession by serious violent felons from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. This change would make offenders subject to up to nine years in prison, three years more than current law allows.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commented on the bill’s passage: “Raising the penalty for serious violent felons who flout the law by possessing firearms is a monumental step toward reducing gun crime and violence in New Mexico. The House did its job today with a strong show of bipartisan support for this bill. I trust that the Senate will do the right thing and move quickly to approve HB 49 so I can sign it into law as soon as possible.”
The proposed legislation targets individuals previously convicted of crimes such as murder, kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration, robbery, aggravated assault on peace officers and shooting at dwellings or vehicles. Lawmakers argue that keeping repeat violent offenders incarcerated longer could help reduce gun violence and protect residents from those with records of dangerous behavior.
Supporters cited recent incidents involving armed felons as evidence of the bill’s urgency:
On January 10 in Albuquerque, James Litteral—a convicted felon—pointed a gun at an officer during an attempted carjacking at an Amazon distribution center. This incident ended with a fatal officer-involved shooting.
On February 3 in Albuquerque, Roman Kirby—whose criminal record dates back to the 1990s—threatened police with a firearm during a SWAT standoff on Interstate 40; he was killed during the event.
On February 8 in Las Cruces, Johnny Ray Morales fired at police outside a Walmart while awaiting trial on multiple charges including illegal firearm possession by a felon.
The New Mexico State Executive branch supports public safety efforts alongside initiatives in education and economic advancement. The office operates from Room 400 on the fourth floor of the New Mexico State Capitol at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham leads these efforts with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales and other cabinet officials focusing their work across New Mexico.
HB 49 now awaits action in the Senate.
