REPUBLICANS HAVE RENEWED THEIR EFFORT TO APPEAL FOR A PUBLIC VOTE ON SENATE BILL EIGHT, WHICH EXPANDS BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR GUN PURCHASES IN NEW MEXICO. HOUSE G.O.P. LEADER JIM TOWNSEND OF ARTESIA ON TUESDAY RESUBMITTED HIS PROPOSED DRAFT PETITION TO SECRETARY OF STATE MAGGIE TOULOUSE OLIVER.
THE ORIGINAL PETITION WAS REJECTED LAST MONTH. TOWNSEND ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING SENATE BILL EIGHT, WHICH WAS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, LIMITS THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF NEW MEXICANS.