SENATE MEMORIAL 84

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Sue Wilson Beffort

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT AN INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CONSIDERING CRIMINAL JUSTICE ISSUES CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF PASSING A NEW MEXICO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT MODELED ON THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT OF 2004.

     WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are trained to the highest standards to protect and serve the public; and

     WHEREAS, both active duty law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers play significant roles in safeguarding communities; and

     WHEREAS, since its initial passage in 2004, the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, which allows qualified law enforcement officers and qualified retired or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States or United States territories, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions, has proven to be a boon to community safety across the nation; and

     WHEREAS, the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 is a no-cost benefit to communities by allowing qualified active duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons to continue the core law enforcement officer mission of protecting the public; and

     WHEREAS, criminals are never off duty, nor are they retired, and they will be armed in prohibited areas despite any laws to the contrary; and

     WHEREAS, active duty and retired law enforcement officers should not be put in the position of not being able to defend themselves or others because of restrictions on where concealed weapons can be carried; and

     WHEREAS, a New Mexico Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act would serve to complement the benefits of the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that an interim legislative committee that considers criminal justice issues be requested to hear testimony on the benefits of passing a Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act in New Mexico that is modeled on the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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