Bill > SB167

This bill amends existing law to increase the penalty for unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon on school premises from a fourth-degree felony to a third-degree felony, meaning it becomes a more serious crime with potentially harsher punishment. It also clarifies the definition of "school premises" to include buildings, grounds, playgrounds, playing fields, and parking areas of any public elementary, secondary, junior high, or high school, as well as any school bus, when school or school-related activities are being conducted under the authority of a local school board or the governing body of a charter school. Additionally, it expands the definition to include other public buildings or grounds where school-related activities are taking place, even if they are not public school property. The bill maintains exceptions for authorized individuals like peace officers, school security, participants in specific training programs, and individuals carrying a weapon for lawful protection in a private vehicle on school grounds, provided they are over nineteen years of age.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=167&year=26