Storing guns in places that children could access will become a crime in New Mexico starting June 16
A 6-year-old Virginia student shot his teacher earlier this year, sparking national debate about gun control
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill Friday that makes it a crime to store firearms in places that children could access.
The new law takes effect on June 16. Earlier this year, a 6-year-old student in Virginia shot his teacher, which added to debates across the country about gun control and school safety.
The New Mexico bill would make it a crime to store a firearm in a way that negligently disregards the ability of a child or teenager under age 18 to access it.
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Democratic New Mexico state Sen. Antonio Maestas of Albuquerque speak in support of a gun control initiative in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on March 3, 2023. A bill that would make it a crime to store guns in places that children could access was signed by Gov. Grisham Tuesday. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)
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Criminal charges could be brought only if the minor later brandishes or displays the firearm in a threatening way, or uses it to kill or injure someone. The proposal would establish both misdemeanor and felony crimes, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Criminal provisions do not apply if a child accesses a gun with authorization of a parent or guardian for lawful purposes including hunting and recreation. The law also includes exceptions when a child accesses a gun for self-defense or to defend others.
Sponsors of the initiative hope it will reduce gun-related deaths and injuries among youths. New Mexico is among the top 10 states for firearms deaths per capita.