SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The House of Representative has approved a bill to expand background checks on firearms to nearly all private sales or exchanges.
The measure was approved Friday on a 41-25 vote with four Democrats joining Republicans in opposition after roughly three hours of debate.
The Democrat-sponsored bill now moves to the Senate. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham supports the measure.
Under current New Mexico law, background checks are not required on many private sales such as those arranged through online marketplaces.
The House-approved would close that loophole and others, vetting nearly all sales through a national instant background check system.
The bill provides exceptions for sales between two law enforcement officers. It does not exempt antique firearms.
Democratic Reps. Patricio Ruiloba, Joseph Sanchez, Candie Sweetser and Harry Gracia opposed the bill.