House Republican Leader Jim Townsend

HOUSE GOP News:

• Townsend calls on Toulouse Oliver to let people decide.

SANTA FE—Tuesday afternoon, House Republican Leader Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) renewed his effort to appeal for a public test of Senate Bill 8, legislation passed earlier this year that mandates citizen background checks on firearm sales in New Mexico.

Townsend resubmitted his proposed draft petition to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver for her office’s review and approval to distribute to voters.

Townsend delivered a preliminary draft petition March 11, 2019 to the Secretary of State’s Office. Toulouse Oliver rejected the draft March 21, 2019, citing technical issues. Townsend addressed those issues in his response Tuesday to Toulouse Oliver.

“Senate Bill 8 proposes to limit the constitutional rights of New Mexicans. I say let the people decide on this matter that directly impacts their civil liberties,” Townsend said. “I have confidence in the citizens of New Mexico to determine if this legislation is right for our state. I hope the Secretary of State also has the same faith in New Mexicans and will uphold their right to have a referendum on Senate Bill 8.”

Twenty-five counties in New Mexico have adopted 2nd Amendment sanctuary resolutions this year. In February, twenty-nine out of thirty-three county sheriffs signed a letter opposing the anti-2nd Amendment proposals being considered by the Legislature. In an interview with Stateline, Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace, the chairman of the New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association, called the legislation, “unenforceable, overreaching, unconstitutional and a gun grab.”

The Secretary of State’s Office has 10 days to respond to Townsend’s petition.