Proposed measure could change gun show business
Posted at: 02/28/2013 7:01 PM
By: Nikki Ibarra, KOB Eyewitness News 4
As one of the year’s first gun shows starts this weekend in New Mexico, there is support for a bill that could change how some shows do business.
House Bill 77 would close so-called gun show loopholes.
And some Santa Fe city leaders believe this is the only option the state has right now.
Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the weekend’s gun show at the Expo New Mexico fairgrounds. The show’s host told KOB Eyewitness News 4 the proposed bill needs to be re-written.
Santa Fe Mayor David Coss said it’s necessary that guns don’t get in the wrong hands.
“HB 77 will require background checks on all gun sales and like I said, this is a good first step,” said Coss.
But New Mexico Gun Collectors Association Gun, Sword and Knife Show host Mark Covell said background checks are done at the show. He said the proposed bill could lead to registering guns which for Covell means those guns could easily be confiscated.
“Its not been well thought out," he said. "It’s discriminatory against gun shows."
According to the measure, aside from background checks, the state will be required to submit records of prohibited purchasers to national databases which gun shows don’t have access to.
“Our gun laws are broke, and I’m here in hopes to make a safer life,” said forme rAlbuquerque Police Department deputy chief Debbie Kuidis.
Covell said he agrees that gun control is needed but is the proposed bill the right option? He doesn’t think so. “It is an anti-gun bill, very definitely. It is not just for safety,” added Covell.
The proposed bill passed in the house and is awaiting approval from the senate.
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