New Mexico Senate Approves SB17 to Curb Illegal Gun Trade 21-17

The New Mexico Senate approved Senate Bill 17, the Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act, by a 21-17 vote on Feb. 7, 2026, setting up a House review and a potential change in how firearms move from retail into criminal markets. The measure increases regulations for gun dealers, targets so-called straw purchases, and was amended to keep some gun owners’ information out of public records.

Senators advanced the bill after it cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 6-3 party-line vote. Sponsors and supporters say the measure aims to stop guns from ending up with people who should not have them by regulating and recording dealer sales, improving inventory security, and training employees to prevent illegal transfers. Lujan Grisham said, "The bill holds gun dealers to the same basic standards expected of any responsible business. Securing inventory, training employees, and preventing illegal sales. This is common-sense legislation that will save lives and make our state a better place to raise a family. New Mexico has a serious problem with violent crime and guns, and SB 17 will take meaningful steps to address it."

State Sen. Heather Berghmans (D-Bernalillo) described the bill as focused on "straw sales." She said, "A known straw purchaser has made hundreds of purchases in stores - including purchasing an AK 47 - supplying guns to teens, including a 15-year-old at West Mesa. These are not stolen hunting rifles or guns taken from unlocked nightstands. We're talking about a retail to street pipeline, guns sold legally and then traffic trafficked into the criminal market."

Opponents warned of constitutional and financial consequences. State Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, "I believe it’s a direct violation of the constitution we have been sworn to uphold and an abandonment of our duties of office." Brantley added the close vote "was an indication that some saw the bill as violating the Second Amendment." A critic identified only as Segura warned of litigation costs, saying, "What this will do is cost the state of New Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in court fees. And if it continues, it could cost even in the millions. We've seen it happen in other states."

The NRA Institute for Legislative Action framed the measure as an omnibus gun control package and urged opposition, saying the bill "would severely undermine the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding New Mexicans and threaten the viability of local firearm retailers." The advocacy group encouraged readers to contact their representatives to express opposition.

For McKinley County, the bill’s passage in the Senate matters because its dealer rules and record-keeping changes could affect local gun shops, law enforcement tracing of firearms, and efforts to disrupt illegal retail-to-street pipelines alleged by supporters. The amendment to shield some owner information from public records may ease privacy concerns for lawful gun owners, though the exact categories of protected information were not detailed in the legislative summaries.

Next, SB17 moves to the New Mexico House for consideration. Residents and local officials will be watching House debate, potential amendments, and any legal challenges that could follow if the measure becomes law.