Curry County commissioners take action on bill resolutions

CLOVIS — For the second time in three meetings, the Curry County Commission on Friday took action on a resolution related to bills being considered by the Legislature.

The most recent act opposes several bills that would increase regulation on private gun transactions.

While there have been several firearm-related measures taken up by the Legislature this session, the unanimously approved resolution 2019-15 specifically mentions the identical House Bill 8 and Senate Bill 8, which would establish a misdemeanor offense for not conducting a background check after transferring ownership of a gun. House Bill 40 would require background checks at gun shows.

Commissioner Seth Martin said the new regulations would not have the intended effect of decreasing access to firearms for criminals.

“Imposing new regulations on law-abiding citizens just restricts us in our freedom,” Martin said. “Criminals do not get their guns through legal means, so any of these regulations they try to pass and push upon us have no meaning in the end. I have a gun store, I get broken into, they steal the guns, that’s how they get their guns.”

Commissioner Ben McDaniel noted that he has received firearms from family members in the past, which would be regulated by the new legislation and require a background check.

“That’s a bit much,” McDaniel said.

Commissioner Chet Spear agreed.

“We just don’t need all these regulations in our lives,” he said.

The commission on Jan. 10 approved a resolution supporting House Bill 115, which would establish a fourth-degree felony for making terroristic threats.

Also at Friday’s special meeting:

• The board approved a $7,873 grant to purchase firefighting equipment for the Broadview Volunteer Fire Department.

• The board heard separate updates on the county’s grant programs, detention center, events center and the retired senior volunteer and foster grandparent programs.

• The commission canvassed the Texico Municipal Schools special election, with both funding measures receiving approval.