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Gun Debate Likely To Intensify In Legislature

Lawmakers say the shooting deaths of five members of an Albuquerque family likely will intensify a debate in the Legislature over restrictions on firearms.

House Speaker W. Ken Martinez, a Grants Democrat, said Monday the Legislature may need to consider gun safety issues, such as providing assistance to people to buy trigger locks or other devices for safely storing firearms.

An Albuquerque legislator, even before the shooting, had proposed expanding background checks to people who buy firearms from private gun owners, including at gun shows.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, a Belen Democrat, said the state also needs to focus on adequately funding services for the mentally ill.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for the shooting deaths Saturday of his parents, a brother and two younger sisters.