A high-profile advocate of so-called red-flag legislation in New Mexico that will limit firearm access to those individuals perceived as threats is having difficulty achieving a compromise with sheriffs opposed to his proposal.
According to Congressman Daymon Ely, D-Corrales, the sheriffs suggested changes to his measure to which he cannot get behind. Ely spoke before a panel of legislators on late last month.
Under Ely’s bill, a court could seize firearms after receiving a petition from law enforcement or the gun owner’s family. The seizure is followed by an automatic appeal hearing.
The New Mexico Sheriff’s Association opposes such gun legislation, with a few sheriffs declaring that they will not enforce it when it becomes law, according to the Las Cruces Sun News.
According to the association, current laws already focus on people who pose a danger to themselves or others.
Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., have enacted red-flag laws.
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