Lincoln commissioners stand against red flag law

Lincoln County commissioners Tuesday passed a resolution asking the governor not to sign Senate Bill 5 Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act into law.

The vote to approve the resolution in opposition to the bill, also known as the "red flag" bill, was unanimous. Its sister bill in the N.M. House of Representatives was House bill 7.

The resolution questions if county law enforcement agencies have the financial resources and administrative capabilities to implement provisions of the law.

"Senate Bill 5 and House Bill 7 make criminals of innocent citizens and deprive them of due process of law by making it a criminal offense for gun-owners living with a person made subject to a Red Flag order to not secure their guns from that person, even if the gun owner had no knowledge of the Red Flag order or had no control over another person's actions," the resolution states.

Otero and Torrence counties passed similarly worded resolutions earlier this month.

On Jan. 28, Doña Ana County Commissioners declined to pass a resolution in support of the bills. The City of Albuquerque considered a resolution in support as well following the shooting death of 22 people in an El Paso, Texas Walmart.

More:Sheriff urges active opposition to Red Flag legislation

More:Lincoln County Sheriff opposes gun legislation

Dianne Stallings can be contacted at dstallings@ruidosonews.com. This coverage only is possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a subscription to the Ruidoso News.