THE STATE HOUSE APPROVES A BILL THAT WOULD STIFFEN THE PENALTIES FOR PEOPLE PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF A VIOLENT FELONY WHO ARE FOUND TO POSSESS ILLEGAL FIREARMS. IT WAS A UNANIMOUS VOTE ON THIS MEASURE ON TUESDAY THAT WOULD HIKE THE SENTENCE FOR THE OFFENSE FROM 18 MONTHS TO THREE YEARS.
HOWEVER, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER IS WARNING THAT THE BILL SPONSORED BY ALBUQUERQUE STATE REP NATE GENTRY COULD BE CHALLENGED AS IT WOULD USE A PRIOR FELONY TWICE TO ENHANCE PRISON TIME.
THE BILL NOW GOES THE SENATE.
