HOUSE MEMORIAL 54

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas A. Anderson

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE SOCIETAL REASONS BEHIND RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS.

     WHEREAS, there have been numerous mass shootings by apparently disaffected, young and primarily white males in recent years who have used military-type weapons and whose behavior would indicate a dislocation with societal norms; and

     WHEREAS, the weapons themselves are not the cause of the problem; and

     WHEREAS, studies have not been done to identify the root cause of the shootings or the disaffection of those who commit them; and

     WHEREAS, beginning to determine the underlying causes of the problem could help prevent further incidents and save lives; and 

     WHEREAS, the facilities for and scientists with the expertise to conduct such a study reside at the university of New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of psychology at the university of New Mexico be requested to study the societal reasons behind recent mass shootings; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of psychology at the university of New Mexico present the findings of its study to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2013; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the university of New Mexico and the chair of the department of psychology at the university of New Mexico.

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