GUN WAITING PERIOD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

HB 565 modifies New Mexico's firearm sale waiting period law by exempting certified and commissioned law enforcement officers (with arrest powers) from the standard 7-day waiting period when purchasing firearms. This means law enforcement officers can immediately take possession of firearms they buy, unlike most other buyers who must wait seven days. The bill amends existing law (Section 30-7-7.3 NMSA 1978) to add this exception, specifically targeting officers performing official duties. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025.