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HB 384

REPEAL FIREARM SALE WAITING PERIOD

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Block and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico bill would eliminate mandatory waiting periods for firearm purchases, accelerating gun access but removing a safety measure supporters credit with preventing impulsive violence.

action postponed indefinitely
#publicsafety(emergencyservices #etc.)
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Bill Summary · HB 384

Legislative bill overview

HB 384 would eliminate New Mexico's mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases. Currently, the state requires a waiting period between purchase and delivery of firearms. This bill seeks to remove that legal requirement entirely.

Why is this important

Waiting periods are a contested firearm safety measure—supporters argue they reduce impulsive violence and suicide, while opponents contend they create administrative burden and delay lawful self-defense access. The outcome affects how quickly New Mexicans can obtain firearms and represents a broader policy debate about balancing public safety measures with Second Amendment access.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety data interpretation: Disagreement over whether waiting periods measurably prevent firearm deaths or are largely symbolic, given mixed research findings
  • Self-defense access timing: Debate over whether delays prevent people from obtaining firearms for immediate personal protection needs
  • Burden on law-abiding purchasers: Dispute over whether waiting periods meaningfully inconvenience responsible gun owners versus creating barriers to lawful purchases

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

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