Senate Minority Leader's Bill Passes Senate 32-8

For immediate release Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Contact: 986-4702



Passes Senate-

Eliminate Unnecessary Firearms Course




Santa Fe—The Senate today passed SB 212 that would no longer require a two-year firearm refresher course in handgun licensing. The bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle passed 32 to 8. The bill would not impact the course that is required at the four-year re-licensing period. A similar bill passed the Senate last year 31 to 9.



SB 212 is titled No 2-year Concealed Weapon Refresher Course.



“The Department of Public Safety does not think this 2 year refresher course is needed after people have passed the four-year re-licensing course. It is more of a burden and is costly and does not affect safety,” Senator Ingle said. “The course that only requires 25 shots at a target appears to require a lot of paperwork, bureaucracy and cost with no benefit.”



Senator Ingle said the two-hour firearms refresher course would not significantly enhance a person’s ability to safely handle a handgun. New Mexico is the only state currently requiring a refresher course. The course required at the four-year re-licensing period would still be required.



The bill now goes to the House for consideration.