New Mexico Senate Democrats Pass Semiautomatic Gun Ban

Legislation includes new security requirements for licensed firearms dealers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The New Mexico Senate passed legislation on Saturday that contains a broad ban on semiautomatic firearms as well as new restrictions and requirements for licensed firearms dealers, including security measures like video surveillance and hardened entry points.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen as a significant challenge to the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans, with critics arguing it undermines the ability of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families. The new dealer requirements are also viewed as an undue burden on the firearms industry.

The details

The legislation, known as SB 17, passed the New Mexico Senate on a 21-17 vote. It bans the most popular semiautomatic rifle in America, as well as numerous semiautomatic shotguns and pistols. The bill also imposes new 'security requirements' on licensed gun dealers, including mandatory video surveillance, hardened entry points, and other measures intended to prevent burglaries and firearms theft.

  • The New Mexico Senate passed SB 17 on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

SB 17

The legislation passed by the New Mexico Senate that contains a broad ban on semiautomatic firearms and new security requirements for licensed gun dealers.

New Mexico Senate Democrats

The group of Democratic state senators who voted to pass SB 17.

Bill Sharer

The New Mexico Senate Republican Leader, who released a statement criticizing the legislation as undermining the constitutional rights of New Mexicans.

Jay Block

A Republican state senator who described SB 17 as 'the worst mockery of the Second Amendment in the state's history.'

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What they’re saying

“Today, Democrats in Santa Fe decided that the rights of New Mexicans to protect themselves and their families should be eliminated. Listen to the words they say, they have repeatedly admitted this bill is unconstitutional, yet they are forcing it upon law-abiding citizens. New Mexicans deserve to be represented by elected officials who take their oaths of office seriously, not by activists who hate our Constitution and who promote fringe radical policies designed to undermine the very foundation of our Nation.”

— Bill Sharer, New Mexico Senate Republican Leader

“This legislation is the worst mockery of the Second Amendment in the state's history.”

— Jay Block, State Senator

What’s next

The legislation now moves to the New Mexico House of Representatives, where it will need to pass before being signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over gun rights in the United States, with critics arguing it violates the constitutional protections afforded by the Second Amendment. The outcome of this bill in the New Mexico legislature will be closely watched as a potential bellwether for similar efforts in other states.