February 26, 2025
The Honorable John Block
House District 51
490 Old Santa Fe Trail State Capitol, 203HN
Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Honorable Stefani Lord
House District 22
490 Old Santa Fe Trail State Capitol, 203HN
Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Honorable Randall T. Pettigrew
House District 61
490 Old Santa Fe Trail State Capitol, 202B
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Dear Representatives Block, Lord, and Pettigrew:
On behalf of the over 2 million members of AMAC – Association of Mature American Citizens, including over 15,400 who reside in New Mexico, I write to offer our support for House Bill 83.
For too long federal and state governments have violated the 2nd Amendment of our revered Constitution, and in doing so have weakened the ability of American citizens to protect themselves, their families, and their property. The 2nd Amendment ultimately protects our God-given natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and any actions we can take to ensure the right and freedom to
bear arms is protected and practiced is critical to the future of the state of New Mexico and our nation.
HB 83 allows citizens over 18 to carry loaded firearms in an open or concealed manner. The bill further defines that the definition of “carrying a deadly weapon” does not include firearms. This is a cogent change as firearms in this case are a tool for self-defense.
Thank you, Representatives Block, Lord, and Pettigrew, for advancing HB 83. We appreciate your work to protect our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and to protect ourselves and our communities in New Mexico.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Mangione Jr.
Senior Vice President
AMAC Action