The Chamber of Deputies approved a reform to the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives that grants firearms permits to employees of public agencies such as the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), the Tax Administration Service (SAT), and the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). This reform, promoted by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, was approved with 476 votes in favor and two abstentions, and modifies 57 articles of the aforementioned law.
Content of the reform
The reform allows members of public agencies to carry firearms, provided they meet the requirements and conditions established by law. The beneficiary agencies include public and parastatal companies, as well as autonomous bodies such as the National Energy Commission (CNI), Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), and the Mexican Mint.
The bill also includes the possibility for individuals and legal entities, such as private security companies, to carry firearms for security purposes, provided they have the approval of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena).
Obligations and Controls
Representative Sergio Gil Rullán, of the Citizens’ Movement, emphasized that the reform introduces additional controls to ensure the proper handling of these weapons. Organizations and institutions that obtain collective licenses to carry weapons will be required to report to Sedena the details of those carrying weapons, including credentials and a list of weapons in their possession. Sedena will have the power to inspect collectively registered weapons, which will allow for greater oversight by municipal and state authorities.
Weapon Possession by Ejido Members and Community Members
The reform also expands the ability of ejidatarios, community members, and farm laborers to own and carry weapons. These individuals may possess .22 caliber rifles or shotguns of any caliber, provided they prove their quality as such through reliable documentation. However, shotguns with barrels shorter than 635 mm (25 inches) and those with calibers longer than 12 mm (.729 inches or 18.5 mm) are excluded.
Expansion of the Weapons Catalog
The reform expands the catalog of firearms that may be possessed by individuals for their safety and legitimate defense, provided that the limitations established by law are met. Furthermore, the manufacture, use, and carrying of weapons for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as those created using three-dimensional, additive, replica, or artisanal manufacturing techniques, are prohibited, with specific exceptions.
Requirements for Obtaining Permits
To obtain a special weapons permit, applicants must demonstrate that they are physically and mentally fit and that they do not use narcotics. These requirements seek to ensure that only those who meet certain standards may carry weapons.
Ammunition Sales
The ruling establishes a periodicity for the sale of ammunition: annually for personal protection, quarterly for hunting activities, and monthly for accredited Army personnel.
Electoral Context
PRI Representative Lorena Piñón Rivera welcomed the initiative, arguing that this reform will help protect candidates who face threats during electoral campaigns. Veracruz, in particular, is about to experience a historic election on June 1, and the threat of criminal violence seeks to distort this democratic process. Piñón Rivera emphasized that the law’s strict framework is a strategy to combat the illegal use of weapons by organized crime.
Legislative Process
The bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will now be sent to the Senate for discussion and possible approval. If the Senate approves the reform, it will go into effect and will have an impact on gun regulation in Mexico.
Source: elimparcial
