Democrats advanced an assault weapons ban through its first legislative committee last night over the objections of Republicans, gun dealers and 2nd Amendment advocates concerned it would ban some of the most popular firearms sold and transferred in New Mexico today. He and other Republicans argue the bill will add new burdens to legitimate gun dealers without stopping criminals who, by definition, do not follow laws. New Mexicans bear a disproportional impact of gun violence, data shows. Dozens of crime victims and advocates, including many from the group Moms Demand Action to End Gun Violence, filled the committee room opposite gun dealers and shooting sports advocates. In her State of the State address on the opening day of the session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called on legislators to pass an assault weapons ban, despite recently losing a significant challenge to her last signature gun bill, a 7-day waiting period for gun purchases.