New Mexico's Semiautomatic Firearm Ban 'All but Dead'

Proposed legislation faces challenges and opposition from gun rights advocates

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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New Mexico's proposed Senate Bill 17, which would have banned numerous semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols, is now 'all but dead' according to reports. The bill faced strong opposition from gun rights groups like the NRA and concerns from gun control advocates that it could be easily overturned in court.

Why it matters

The fate of this proposed ban highlights the ongoing debate over gun control measures, with advocates on both sides arguing over the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights. The outcome could set precedents for similar legislation in other states.

The details

SB 17 was debated in the New Mexico House Judiciary Committee late Monday into early Tuesday, but no vote occurred due to a lack of time to work through proposed amendments. These amendments came after a gun control group, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, warned that the broad ban could make the bill vulnerable to a lawsuit that could lead to a 'definitive, nationwide ruling against state-level firearm restrictions'.

  • SB 17 was debated in the New Mexico House Judiciary Committee from around 11:30 p.m. Monday to 12:40 a.m. Tuesday.

The players

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence

A gun control advocacy group that warned the proposed ban in SB 17 could be easily overturned in court.

NRA

The National Rifle Association, a gun rights advocacy group that warned the fight against SB 17 must continue as long as the legislature is in session.

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What’s next

The New Mexico legislature will continue to debate the fate of SB 17 as long as the session is in progress, with gun rights advocates vowing to keep fighting the proposed ban.

The takeaway

This battle over a semiautomatic firearm ban in New Mexico underscores the deep divisions and high stakes in the ongoing national debate over gun control. The outcome could influence similar legislation in other states and set important legal precedents.