Enchantment State News

A public health order addressing firearm restrictions and drug monitoring in New Mexico has expired, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Wednesday. The order, which was temporary, aimed to combat gun violence and substance misuse following the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Albuquerque.

“The public health order, though temporary, allowed us to implement urgent and necessary measures that have had a measurable, positive effect on public safety in our state,” stated Lujan Grisham. “I have decided to allow the public health order to expire, but our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue.”

Initiated in September 2023, the order included a ban on firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Bernalillo County, enhanced oversight of firearm sales, and wastewater testing for fentanyl in schools. It also established memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement agencies for data sharing.

Since its implementation, notable achievements were reported: over 1,700 firearms collected through buy-back events; a doubling of arrests in Albuquerque with 36% related to violent or gun-related crimes; increased awareness about juvenile gun possession; fewer gunfire incidents detected; distribution of over 52,000 free gun locks; more than 31,000 doses of naloxone distributed resulting in over 3,600 overdose reversals; and an interactive dashboard for school drug trends.

The governor emphasized continued efforts are needed. “Our work is not done,” she said. “We need the legislature to pass stronger public safety laws... This is no time to slow down—we must accelerate our efforts to protect our families.”