On March 8th, Lujan Grisham signed SB 8 into law. Three days later, House Republicans sent a letter to the secretary of state requesting the petition, which could have allowed voters to overturn the law if the petition received enough signatures.

House Minority Whip Rod Montoya, D- Farmington, says he's disappointed by the secretary of state denying the petition.

"Counties all across the state have spoken up their displeasure of any bills, any of the bills that were pushed forward, to take away legal citizen's gun rights," said Montoya during a phone interview Thursday.

Montoya said House Republicans are looking at all options moving forward including legal action against the secretary of state.

“Because quite frankly she kind made herself the judge and jury in this and I don't believe that is her role. I believe her role is to determine whether or not the petition is set up correctly," said Montoya.

In the secretary of state's denial letter to Rep. Townsend, she outlined what she referred to as deficiencies in the draft petition.

Click here to read the full letter.