Federal Judge Rules New Mexico Gun Purchase Waiting Period Unenforceable
New Mexico's seven-day waiting period for gun purchases has been ruled unenforceable by a federal judge, though state officials have filed an appeal.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, September 29, 2026 — A federal judge has ruled that New Mexico’s seven-day waiting period for purchasing firearms is unenforceable. The decision challenges a state law that required individuals to wait seven days after purchasing a gun before taking possession of it.
The specific details of the federal judge’s ruling, including the judge’s name, the court in which the decision was made, and the date of the ruling, were not immediately available. The ruling means that, as of the judge’s decision, the waiting period is no longer considered binding.
However, the legal landscape surrounding the waiting period is subject to further change. New Mexico state officials have indicated their response to the ruling by filing an appeal. This action signifies the state’s intent to contest the federal judge’s decision and potentially reinstate the waiting period through the appellate court system.
The seven-day waiting period was a component of the state’s firearm regulations, aimed by proponents at measures to prevent gun violence. The legal challenge and subsequent ruling by the federal judge indicate a significant development in the ongoing debate over gun control laws and Second Amendment rights within the state.
The outcome of the appeal will determine the future enforceability of the seven-day waiting period for gun purchases in New Mexico. Further information regarding the basis of the judge’s ruling and the arguments presented in the appeal are anticipated as the legal process continues.
Story summarized from the original created by Madison Conner on www.krqe.com, see more information here.
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