Gov. Signs Gun-Permit Bill in Raton By Dave Kavanaugh
RATON— In the midst of several bill-signing ceremonies around the state, Gov. Bill Richardson chose the National Rifle Association's Whittington Center as the backdrop to add his signature to legislation allowing more New Mexicans to legally carry concealed handguns.
House Bill 641 lowers the minimum age for concealed-carry permits to 21 from 25, extends the license term to four years from two and allows for a waiver of license fees for law enforcement personnel and retirees. Additionally, the legislation, approved by lawmakers during the recent session, removes the requirement that reciprocity be extended only to states with "substantially similar" laws.
"This is a crime-reduction measure," Richardson said of House Bill 641, which was sponsored by Rep. John Heaton, D-Eddy. "This is going to deter criminals and provide our law-abiding citizens with more means for protecting themselves."
Read the article at:
http://www.abqjournal.com/north/334683north_news04-07-05.htm?tease*FW Note: Apparently the citizens of New Mexico are far more trustworthy than the citizens of Montana. Kudos to Gov. Bill Richardson.
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