Need support for HB137! Concealed in more places.

As a concealed carry license holder I would like for your committee to consider several factors when voting on this bill. I think you will find that it makes the most sense under an economical and safety standpoint to pass this bill.

1. It is illegal in New Mexico to carry a firearm under the influence of any alcohol whatsoever. Even a .01%BAC is illegal, see NMSA 30-7-4 (A2).

2. Businesses have always had the option to not allow firearms on their property as per NMSA and the rules of the Concealed Carry Act.

As a concealed carry licensee I know that under no circumstance am I permitted to carry a firearm and be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or OTC medication. This is in the statutes and in the rule book. Further, I know that if a private property owner does not allow firearms on their property they may post it and their posting carries the force of law and DPS rules for concealed carry holders. I am certain that the vast majority of licensees know these rules and laws.

Those who have taken on additional expense and given their time to comply with state law for a concealed carry license are law abiding. There are stringent requirements for concealed carry licenses to be issued including a background check which includes a mental health release waiver, fingerprints, and an approved 15 hour class. Our state has not suffered increased violence due to concealed carry.


This bill benefits the law abiding and businesses. I can't go to Chili's with my family to have dinner while simultaneously carrying a concealed firearm, so I don't go to Chili's or any other establishment that serves alcohol for onsite consumption, many others follow suit and business suffers. If people are not that devout to carrying a firearm they have to leave their firearm inside of their vehicle unattended which is a greater risk to public safety than a trained, responsible citizen having the firearm inside of an establishment that serves alcohol. I am the citizen who has spent time and money to lawfully carry a firearm, being in the presence of alcohol (and not consuming it) is not going to suddenly cause me to commit a crime or become a negligent operator.



Please support this bill.

Respectfully,

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