New Mexico county declares itself 'Second Amendment Sanctuary County' to protest gun law

In protest of a pending law that expands background check requirements for gun purchases, a New Mexico county has deemed itself a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County," according to Fox News[1].One of the laws in question, HB 8[2] would require background checks for gun purchases even between private citizens, which the New Mexico Sheriff's Association called an unenforceable law. The other law, HB 83[3], would create an "Extreme Risk Protection Order" that would authorize the seizure of guns and ammo from people who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.Quay County passed a resolution to protest the lawsNew Mexico House Republicans expressed support for Quay County's decision to pass a resolution in protest[4] of the laws."We see counties starting to fight back against the over-reach of House Democrats," state Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington) said. "New Mexicans who are not even accused of a crime can lose their 2nd Amendment rights under this bill and that's beyond wrong." Under HB 8, it would be a misdemeanor to buy or sell a gun privately without a federal background check. The New Mexico Sheriff's Association said HB 83 creates risk for law enforcement.The National Rifle Association came out against HB 8 and 83 as well."Unchallenged statements made by a petitioner before a judge, alleging that someone is a danger to themselves or others in an ex parte proceeding — prior to any formal court hearing at which the respondent can be represented by counsel and present counter evidence — would be sufficient for law enforcement to enter that person's home and confiscate their private property," read an NRA Institute for Legislative Action statement[5] about HB 83."It violates due process and puts law enforcement in a more dangerous situation and does nothing to protect citizens," the association said in a statement.Rep. Rachel

Read more from our friends at the NRA...