cuchulainn
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from the Daily Lobo
http://www.dailylobo.com/news/411572.html
http://www.dailylobo.com/news/411572.html
Current Issue: Tuesday, April 8, 2003
N.M. passes concealed weapons act for handguns
The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexicans age 25 and older can be licensed to carry a concealed, loaded handgun starting next year under legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Bill Richardson.
“This is a crime reduction measure that I have supported throughout my career in Congress and during the campaign,†Richardson said in a written statement. “This historic legislation will deter criminals and provide our people with additional measures to protect themselves and their families from violent, criminal attacks.â€
The concealed handgun law takes effect July 1 and allows the Department of Public Safety to start issuing licenses next year.
To qualify for a permit, New Mexicans must pay a $100 application fee, complete an approved firearms training course of at least 15 hours and pass a criminal background check.
The state can issue a two-year license that applies only to a specific caliber of handgun and type — semi-automatic or not. An applicant will be required to complete a firearms training course for that caliber and category of handgun.
Under current law, New Mexicans can legally carry loaded guns if they’re in plain view — with some exceptions — and concealed guns if they’re unloaded.
It’s also legal to have a loaded gun in a vehicle.
The law prohibits a concealed handgun license for people with criminal convictions, including drunken driving within the past five years, misdemeanor assault or battery, and misdemeanor possession of drugs. It’s already illegal for felons to possess a firearm.
But carrying a concealed, loaded handgun is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine.
A concealed-carry law was enacted in 2001, but no licenses were ever issued because of a court challenge.
The state Supreme Court invalidated the law last year because of a local option provision that allowed cities and counties to ban concealed weapons. The court said that violated a prohibition in the state Constitution against cities and counties regulating guns.
According to the National Rifle Association, New Mexico becomes the 34th state to legalize the carrying of concealed, loaded handguns.
<snipped> stuff about minimum wage
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