The Chamber of Deputies approved a reform that allows members of public agencies, such as the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), the Tax Administration Service (SAT), and the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), to carry weapons. The reform also expands the range of weapons available to citizens and requires ejidatarios and community members to prove their identity before carrying them. With 476 votes in favor and two abstentions, the Plenary approved, with changes, the proposal by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which modifies 57 articles of the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives.
Public Agencies and Authorized Officials
The reform establishes that agencies that, due to their functions, demonstrate a need to carry firearms may carry weapons, provided they meet the conditions and requirements established by law. The organizations mentioned include public companies, parastatal entities, autonomous bodies (CFE, Pemex, Banxico, Casa de Moneda, CNI, SAT), and individuals and legal entities (private security companies).
Requirements for public organizations:
Justified need: They must prove their need to carry firearms for security functions.
Compliance with legal requirements: Members of these organizations must meet the requirements of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena).
Information to Sedena: Institutions with collective licenses must inform Sedena of the details of those carrying weapons, including the credentials of authorized personnel and the list of weapons in their possession.
Ejidatarios, commoners, and farm laborers
The reform allows ejidatarios, commoners, and farm laborers to possess firearms authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, both in their homes and outside urban areas, provided they provide reliable proof of their status as such.
Requirements for ejidatarios, commoners, and farm laborers:
Proof of identity: They must present documents proving their status as ejidatarios, commoners, or farm laborers.
Permitted Weapon Types: Individuals may possess at home and carry outside urban areas a .22 caliber rifle or a shotgun of any caliber, except those with a barrel length less than 635 mm (25 inches) and those with a caliber greater than 12 (.729 inches or 18.5 mm).
Expansion of the Weapons Catalog for Individuals
The reform expands the firearms catalog for individuals for their safety and self-defense, provided that the limitations of the law are met and that weapons for the exclusive use of the Army are respected.
Requirements for Individuals:
Physical and Mental Fitness: Applicants must be certified as physically and mentally fit to handle weapons.
No Drug Use: The use of substances that impair the ability to handle weapons is not permitted.
Control of Use: The possession and carrying of weapons must be strictly regulated and controlled by the Sedena (National Security Forces).
Prohibitions and Restrictions
The reform prohibits the manufacture, use, and carrying of weapons. Three-dimensional, handcrafted parts and components, except in exceptional cases specified by law. The possession and carrying of weapons reserved for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy, and Air Force is also prohibited.
Period for the Sale of Ammunition
The bill establishes the following periodicity for the sale of ammunition:
Personal Protection: Annually.
Hunting Activities: Quarterly.
Accredited Army Personnel: Monthly.
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Debate and Opinions
Representative Sergio Gil Rullán, of the Citizens’ Movement, celebrated the fact that the new provisions require newly authorized agencies and institutions to report to the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) the details of those carrying weapons, ensuring greater control and preventing the misuse of these weapons.
PRI representative Lorena Piñón Rivera emphasized that the initiative contributes to ensuring security for candidates who, despite threats, are launching electoral campaigns in Veracruz, where all 212 municipal governments will be elected on June 1.
Approval Process
The bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will be referred to the Senate for discussion and possible approval.
Source: elimparcial
