Gun legislation advances with state senate committee vote

A proposal advanced Tuesday in the New Mexico state Legislature that would allow law enforcement officials or family members to seek court orders to seize firearms temporarily from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.

A Senate committee endorsed the bill on a party-line vote with Democrats in support. Another committee review awaits before the bill can reach the Senate floor for a possible vote.

Proponents invoked the toll of firearm suicides and mass shootings. Opponents warned that lawmakers risk treading on constitutional rights and the presumption of innocence.

Hundreds of people filled the state Senate gallery to listen and comment on the legislation. They included gun-control advocates wearing “Moms Demand Action” T-shirts and more than a dozen county sheriffs who are outspoken opponents of the proposal.