Bill > HB31

This bill amends New Mexico state law to elevate the criminal penalty for making a shooting threat from a misdemeanor to a fourth degree felony. Specifically, the bill defines a "shooting threat" as intentionally communicating to another person an intent to bring a firearm to a property or use a firearm with the purpose of: (1) placing a person or group in fear of great bodily harm, (2) preventing or interrupting the use of a public building, or (3) causing a response from law enforcement or emergency agencies. The bill maintains the existing provisions that allow a court to order a person convicted of making a shooting threat to reimburse victims for economic harm, which is broadly defined to include lost wages, compensation paid to employees who cannot work due to the threat, and overhead costs incurred by businesses shut down as a result of the threat. By changing the offense from a misdemeanor to a fourth degree felony, the bill increases the potential legal consequences for individuals who make shooting threats, reflecting a more serious approach to addressing such potentially dangerous communications.

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https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=31&year=25