•HRES 684 IH 
Whereas, on September 8, 2023, Governor Lujan Grisham 
issued an emergency public health order that suspended 
New Mexicans’ right to open and conceal carry firearms 
for at least 30 days; 
Whereas under this emergency order, citizens could be fined 
up to $5,000 and face civil penalties for exercising their 
Second Amendment rights and directs State agencies and 
local law enforcement to coordinate to apprehend any vio-
lator of the order; 
Whereas the Second Amendment to the Constitution states 
that the citizens right to bear arms shall not be in-
fringed; 
Whereas all rights secured by the Constitution are absolute, 
and a direct attempt from a Governor to take away the 
rights of citizens warrants the condemnation from the 
Congress; 
Whereas New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez stated he 
will not defend this emergency order as it violates the 
Constitution; 
Whereas United States District Court Judge David Urias for 
the District of New Mexico blocked the portion of the 
emergency order that prohibits lawful firearm owners 
from carrying their guns in public for 30 days; 
Whereas in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, 595 
(2008), the Supreme Court confirmed that ‘‘[t]here 
seems to us no doubt, on the basis of both text and his-
tory, that the Second Amendment conferred an individual 
right to keep and bear arms.’’; 
Whereas in McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S.742 
(2010), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that ‘‘[s]elf-de-
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•HRES 684 IH 
fense is a basic right, recognized by many legal systems 
from ancient times to the present day.’’; 
Whereas Justice Thomas concurred by pointing out that ‘‘the 
right to keep and bear arms is a privilege of American 
citizenship.’’; 
Whereas the Supreme Court further held in New York State 
Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 142 S. Ct. 2111, 
2126 (2022), that the Second Amendment requires the 
government to demonstrate that a law regulating fire-
arms ‘‘is consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition 
of firearm regulation’’; 
Whereas the Governor stated ‘‘No Constitutional right in my 
view, including my oath, is intended to be absolute’’ at 
a press conference announcing the emergency public 
order; and 
Whereas the oath of office for the Governor of New Mexico 
states ‘‘Every person elected or appointed to any office 
shall, before entering upon his duties take and subscribe 
to an oath or affirmation that he will support the con-
stitution of the United States and the constitution and 
laws of this state, and that he will faithfully and impar-
tially discharge the duties of his office to the best of his 
ability.’’: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives con-
demns the actions of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham 
for blatantly violating the Second Amendment to the Con-
stitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their 
right to bear arms. 
Æ 
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