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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico is no longer recognizing Utah's concealed carry licenses in New Mexico, saying Utah's license requirements don't meet New Mexico standards.
Utah licenses require significantly less training than New Mexico licenses do, state Public Safety Secretary John Denko said.
New Mexico's concealed carry requirements are designed to protect public safety while ensuring Second Amendment rights, Denko said.
New Mexico won't recognize another state's license unless its rules allowing people to carry concealed weapons, including training and other provisions, are as stringent as New Mexico's.
The Department of Public Safety said questions over licenses obtained by New Mexico residents in Utah also are making it necessary to evaluate which states' licenses will be recognized as valid.
New Mexico is reviewing licenses of 18 other states it now recognizes on an informal basis.
The state intends to enter into written agreements with other states to ensure compliance with New Mexico law.
States being reviewed are Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming.
New Mexico officials say a written reciprocity agreement with Texas will not be changed.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
