Senate Passes Bill to Protect New Mexico Families from Gun Violence
Santa Fe, NM – Today, the Senate passed Senate Bill 259 sponsored by Senator Joseph Cervantes to assure protection for victims of domestic violence and risks of firearms in dangerous family situations.
The legislation would allow a judge to make a determination as to whether or not the subject of a protective order, who presents a credible threat of domestic or family violence, should possess firearms. If the judge determines the possession of a firearm could cause an elevated danger, the judge would prohibit the offender from possessing a firearm while the protective order is in place.
“Senate Bill 259 gives judges an important tool to protect the victims of domestic abuse, and reduce risks of gun violence that cause too many tragedies across New Mexico,” said Senator Cervantes. “A cooling off period, where a judge can assure there is not a gun in the mix, will undoubtedly help save lives.”
According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health detailing factors that lead to the homicide of women, the presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of a woman being murdered by 500 percent. Senate Bill 259 passed by a vote of 25 to 15 and now continues to the House of Representatives.
