Governor Bill Richardson has signed into law NRA-backed legislation, SB 40, allowing right-to-carry permit holders the right to protect themselves in restaurants licensed to serve beer and wine unless the establishments are posted off-limits by the property owner or manager. Governor Richardson signed the original right-to-carry law in 2003. He played a key role in this effort to improve self-defense laws in New Mexico by allowing it to be considered during the 30-day budget session.