Does NM need new gun laws?

ALBUQUERQUE {KRQE} - New Mexico doesn’t have a law to keep guns out of a child’s reach. But after a four year old boy killed himself accidentally with a gun inside his home, News 13 went asking if it’s time for the law to change.

“A long time ago we should have taken care of this.” New Mexico Senator Cisco McSorley said.

He believes children are at risk because New Mexico's gun laws are badly outdated.

Twenty-seven states now have child access prevention laws that say guns in a house must be locked, unloaded, and kept out of a child's reach.

In some states violations can lead to criminal charges, in others adults are liable for damage a child does with a gun, but not in New Mexico.

“We already charge parents for the damage their kids do with graffiti but we won't charge parents for the damage their kids do with a gun." McSorley said.

He wants change but, “We've tried, we've tried, but the gun lobby is just so strong.”

News 13 talked to people at random. Some, like Marcia Lincoln, want lawmakers to keep trying.

“If the parents or the supposedly responsible adults, but won't act responsible they have to expect to be liable for what happens.” Lincoln said.

But others like Bruce Garcia say another law is not needed, “I don't think we need a law to tell people to be responsible with their guns.” Garcia went on to say gun owners should be “responsible enough to teach themselves and their children and anybody else that they have a gun or how to use a gun.”

McSorley said the laws will never change until there's a public outcry.