SB 204/a FIREARMS ON PLAYGROUNDS

Sen Daniel A Ivey-Soto

Actions: [2] SCC/SHPAC/SJC/SFC-SCC [4]germane-SHPAC [9] DP/a-SJC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 204 (SB 204) prohibits the unlawful carrying of a firearm in a park or playground.  

 Senate Bill 204 (SB 204) enacts the fourth degree felony crime of unlawful carrying of a firearm in a park or playground. 

This prohibition does not apply to a peace officer, a security officer allowed to carry a firearm pursuant to the Private Investigations Act, or a member of the armed services, reserve force, or national guard while performing official duties. 

A “firearm” includes a handgun, rifle or shotgun. “Park” is defined as an outdoor, public, recreational area that is owned or managed by a municipality or county, including the parking lot, but it does not include an outdoor shooting range. “Playground” is defined as an outdoor, public facility owned or managed by a municipality or county that has play stations for children, and it includes the parking lot. 
 

  On February 10, 2024, the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee amended SB 204 by changing one of the exceptions to the prohibition of carrying a firearm in a park or playground. 

It removed as an exception a member of the armed services, reserve forces or the New Mexico National Guard while performing official duties. The amendment then adds that the prohibition does not apply to a concealed carry licensee or a federal firearms licensee.