BERNALILLO COUNTY'S DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS HOPING THE LEGISLATURE PASSES A BILL THAT ENHANCES SENTENCES FOR ANYONE USING A GUN IN A CRIME, OR IS A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM. KARI BRANDENBURG SAYS THE STRONGER PENALTIES ARE NEEDED TO HELP STEM GUN VIOLENCE IN THE COUNTY AND STATE. SHE SAYS IT WOULD SEND A STRONG MESSAGE TO CRIMINALS.

HOUSE BILL 297 IS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE BILL REHM AND CARRIES MANDATORY ENHANCEMENTS FOR VARIOUS CRIMES INVOLVING THE USE OF A FIREARM. THE BILL IS NOW IN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.