Besides gun shows, the original bill would prohibit private transactions that would transfer of guns between friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, etc. Those provisions have been removed, but the fact that attendees at gun shows can meet outside or exchange phone numbers to purchase a gun will not escape notice and if this bill is passed, expect the Democrats to come back for another bite of the apple.
Unfortunately, Republican Governor Martinez has already said she would sign this bill if it makes it through the legislature. The only good thing (if there is anything good about this gun-grabbers dream bill), is that there are only two weeks left in the legislative session this year and the senate committees are still hearing senate bills.
I'll put up info on the committee make up in a bit and give info on which senators you should approach with your arguments. Remember, be polite and its more important for New Mexico members to write the Senators.
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
(meets Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 2:30 p.m. (Room 321))
Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino – (D) (Chair)
Occupation: Social Worker
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Bill B. O'Neill - (D) (Vice-chair)
Occupation: Juvenile Parole Board
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Jacob R. Candelaria - (D)
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Ron Griggs - (R)
Occupation: Business Owner
Address: Alamogordo
Senator Daniel A. Ivey-Soto - (D)
Occupation: Association Executive
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Timothy M. Keller - (D)
Occupation: Businessman
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Gay G. Kernan - (R)
Occupation: Educator
Address: Hobbs
Senator Craig W. Brandt - (R) (Ranking member)
Occupation: Clergy
Address: Rio Rancho (Abq. metro area)
Comment: Probably not much hope here; 5 of 8 are Democrats and from the ABQ area. They might be able to either modify it or table it either of which would effectively kill it.
JUDICIARY
(meets Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 2:30 p.m. (Room 321))
Senator Richard C. Martinez - (D) (Chair)
Occupation: Retired Magistrate Judge
Address: Espanola
Senator Joseph Cervantes - (D) (Vice-chair)
Occupation: Attorney
Address: Las Cruces
Senator Ron Griggs - (R)
Occupation: Business Owner
Address: Alamogordo
Senator Linda M. Lopez - (D)
Occupation: Consultant
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Cisco McSorley - (D)
Occupation: Lawyer
Address: Albuquerque
Senator John C. Ryan - (R)
Occupation: Business Consultant
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Michael S. Sanchez - (D)
Occupation: Attorney
Address: Belen
Senator Lisa A. Torraco - (R)
Occupation: Attorney
Address: Albuquerque
Senator Peter Wirth - (D)
Occupation: Attorney
Address: Santa Fe
Senator William H. Payne - (R) (Ranking member)
Occupation: Attorney
Address: Albuquerque
Probably more luck here - The chair is from economically depressed Northern New Mexico and constituents up there don't like government intrusion (except for gov't assistance). The schedule for hearing bills is up to him and delay is fatal. If one or more members puts up a good argument, it may be tabled, or if passed with amendments, it has to go back to the NM House for concurrance.