New Mexico dealers would face firearm sales and safety rules

The bill would prohibit dealers from selling or transferring certain firearms, ammunition and devices. The prohibition applies to dealers in New Mexico and also covers dealer background-check processing for transfers between parties. Exceptions cover certain firearms, including antiques and some manually operated guns, and sales or transfers to specified agencies, tribes and licensed businesses. The prohibition would begin July 1, 2026.

The bill would require dealers to meet security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting and inspection rules. These requirements would apply to firearm dealers in New Mexico, with some security rules determined by dealer type. The Public Safety Department would set security rules and decide which measures apply to gun shows, home-based dealers and dealers that sell fewer than ten firearms a year. Employees who handle, sell or deliver firearms would need to be at least 21 and legally allowed to possess firearms. The department would develop training; federal background checks would be used only if federal rules allow them. Security rules would take effect December 1, 2026. The department would develop employee training by August 1, 2026, and employees could not take part in firearm sales without training beginning December 1, 2026.

The bill would require firearm retailers and gun shows to post legal and safety notices. Retail firearm dealers would post notices at each place where firearms can be bought; gun shows would post them at every entrance. The notices would cover safe storage, background checks, illegal purchases and a suicide prevention helpline. The department would prescribe the sign format.