The Arizona Senate passed three important self-defense bills in a session that lasted into the early morning hours Wednesday.  First, SB 1113 enables law-abiding Right-to-Carry permit holders to carry firearms for self-defense in restaurants.  This NRA-backed bill passed by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority of 19-8 and will now be sent to Governor Jan Brewer's (R) desk for her consideration. 

"If this important, common-sense legislation is signed, Arizonans will have the ability to defend themselves and their families from criminal attack in restaurants," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.  "Headlines remind us that restaurants are not immune to violent crime and we hope Arizona will join 40 other states that allow their law-abiding residents the opportunity to protect their own lives and the lives of those they love in restaurants." 

SB 1113, introduced by State Senator Jack Harper (R-4), would allow concealed carry permit holders to take concealed handguns into restaurants that serve alcohol, but would prohibit the permit holders from consuming any alcohol while carrying. 

The legislature passed two additional important pro-gun bills expanding law-abiding citizens' self-defense rights.  Senator Russell Pearce (R-18) was the lead sponsor of these two measures:

• SB 1168, which would permit law-abiding individuals to store firearms in locked vehicles while parked on publicly accessible parking lots;
• and SB 1243, which would clarify the statutory definition of defensive display of a firearm.