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In a landmark move, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill on May 13, 2026, that will allow military personnel in New Mexico to carry concealed weapons on base. The bill, officially known as SB 562, was passed by the state legislature and marks a significant shift in military law in the state.Under the new law, active-duty military personnel, including members of the National Guard, will be permitted to carry concealed weapons while on duty or off duty on military installations in New Mexico. The bill also allows for the carrying of concealed weapons in other locations designated by military officials, as long as they are not prohibited by federal law.Supporters of the bill argue that allowing military personnel to carry concealed weapons will increase safety and security on military bases, especially in light of recent incidents of violence on military installations across the country. They believe that trained and responsible service members should have the right to protect themselves and their fellow service members in the event of an emergency.Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with allowing firearms on military bases. They worry that the presence of additional weapons could lead to accidental shootings, escalations of conflicts, or incidents of gun violence among service members.Governor Lujan Grisham addressed these concerns in a statement following the signing of the bill, stating that she believes the new law strikes a balance between the rights of military personnel to defend themselves and the need to ensure the safety of all individuals on military bases.The implementation of SB 562 will require military officials to establish guidelines and training protocols for service members who wish to carry concealed weapons on base. These guidelines will likely include requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, completing firearm safety courses, and undergoing regular proficiency testing.The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2026, giving military officials and service members in New Mexico time to prepare for the changes. It remains to be seen how the implementation of SB 562 will impact safety and security on military bases in the state, but it is clear that this legislation represents a significant development in New Mexico military law.