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HB 166

FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARMS PENALTIES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Chavez and 2 co-sponsors

HB 166 modifies criminal penalties for felons possessing firearms in New Mexico, though the bill was postponed indefinitely before final passage.

action postponed indefinitely
#crimes&penalties
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Bill Summary · HB 166

Legislative bill overview

HB 166 proposes to modify penalties for felons in possession of firearms in New Mexico. The bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, before advancing through committee review. Without access to the specific text, the bill likely adjusts sentencing ranges, fines, or other consequences for individuals with felony convictions found in possession of firearms.

Why is this important

Felon-in-possession laws are a core component of federal and state firearms regulations, affecting public safety outcomes and criminal justice policy. Changes to penalties can influence prosecution decisions, sentencing consistency, and incarceration rates while reflecting broader debates about firearm access restrictions and criminal justice reform priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Whether proposed changes increase or decrease consequences, affecting support from law enforcement, crime victims' advocates, and criminal justice reform groups
  • Constitutionality concerns: Questions about Second Amendment implications and whether restrictions align with recent Supreme Court rulings on firearm rights
  • Implementation challenges: Whether new penalties create sentencing disparities or administrative complications for prosecutors and courts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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