NRA-ILA is pleased to announce that three new pro-gun laws officially go into effect today in Arizona. 

The employee protection/parking lot law requires employers to allow the lawful storage of firearm(s) in employees’ locked motor vehicles while they are at work.  Employers are not allowed to ban the storage of firearms in vehicles unless they offer an alternate location to park immediately adjacent to the standard parking area.  If your employer violates this new law, please contact us immediately at 703-267-1240 or email state&local@nrahq.org.

Also effective today, concealed carry permit holders can carry a concealed firearm for self-defense while in an establishment that serves on site alcoholic beverages as long as they are not consuming alcohol.  A restaurant or bar can ban possession by posting a sign next to the liquor license.  It is important to note that posting the sign at the entrance of an establishment is not sufficient and one is legally protected to enter the premises and see if the sign is posted in the proper place next to the liquor license.  If it is not, the establishment is not in compliance with the law and you may remain inside even if a sign is posted at the entrance.  It is important for gun owners to politely let restaurant owners know you prefer to patronize those restaurants who do not post their premises.

Finally, a new law allows for a concealed carry permit holder to “display” their weapon to de-escalate what would otherwise be a violent altercation.  It has been designed to stop problems in the past where the passive display of a firearm was considered brandishing and not a means of self defense. It will prevent law abiding citizens from violating the law when lethal force is not required to prevent a violent incident.  It is important to note that this law does not allow for you to remove your handgun from its holster to intimidate another individual or gain leverage on a situation.

Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call to act during the legislative session.  Without you, these victories would not have been possible.