New Mexico legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Mexico HB146: FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM PENALTY
Status: Failed, January 27, 2026
What the bill says
An act relating to crime; increasing the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device to five years imprisonment; adding a new crime of felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device for a second or subsequent offense and adding a new penalty of nine years imprisonment.
From the introduced text, January 22, 2026:
AN ACT RELATING TO CRIME; INCREASING THE PENALTY FOR A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE TO FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT; ADDING A NEW CRIME OF FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE FOR A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE AND ADDING A NEW PENALTY OF NINE YEARS IMPRISONMENT. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: SECTION 1. Section 30-7-16 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1981, Chapter 225, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read: "30-7-16. FIREARMS OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES--RECEIPT, TRANSPORTATION OR POSSESSION BY CERTAIN PERSONS--PENALTY.-- A. It is unlawful for the following persons to receive, transport or possess a firearm or destructive device in this .233089.1 wen = lairetam derocsrednu eteled = ]lairetam detekcarb[ (2) a person subject to an order of protection pursuant to Section 40-13-5 or 40-13A-5 NMSA 1978; or (3) a person convicted of any of the following crimes: (a) battery against a household member pursuant to Section 30-3-15 NMSA 1978; (b) criminal damage to property of a household member pursuant to Section 30-3-18 NMSA 1978; (c) a first offense of stalking pursuant to Section 30-3A-3 NMSA 1978; or (d) a crime listed in 18 U.S.C. 921. B. A felon [found in possession of] who receives, transports or possesses a firearm [shall be] or destructive device is guilty …
Sponsors
- Nicole Chavez (R, HD-031) · primary sponsor
- Andrea Reeb (R, HD-064)
- Art De La Cruz (D, HD-012)
- Joy Garratt (D, HD-029)
Latest actions
- : Sent to HCPAC - Referrals: HCPAC/HJC
- : Withdrawn from committee or daily calendar, ordered printed and referred to
- : Not Printed
- : Action Postponed Indefinitely
Subjects: CRIMES & PENALTIES
Common questions
- What is HB146?
- HB146 is a bill in the New Mexico Legislature (2026 Regular Session): FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM PENALTY.
- What does HB146 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to crime; increasing the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device to five years imprisonment; adding a new crime of felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device for a second or subsequent offense and adding a new penalty of nine years imprisonment.
- What is the status of HB146?
- Failed as of January 27, 2026. Latest action: Sent to HCPAC - Referrals: HCPAC/HJC (January 27, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB146?
- Nicole Chavez (R, HD-031), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB146?
- On the New Mexico Legislature website: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=146&year=26
Source: official New Mexico record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.