HB 2074, “Concealed Weapons Permit Reform,” sponsored by Representative Chuck Gray (R-19), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill eliminates the requirement that a two-hour refresher course be completed by a permit holder renewing a permit. More than 30 Right-to-Carry states do not have this requirement and there are no indications of problems in these states. Significantly, HB 2074 was amended to include a “full recognition” provision. If adopted, Arizona will recognize the concealed weapons permits from all 44 other states, ensuring that Arizona’s permit will be recognized by additional states.
Also, SB 1145, the “Castle Doctrine,” sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (R-30), returns the “Burden of Proof” in state self-defense cases and corrects the current “guilty-until-you-prove-your-innocence” standard in state self-defense cases. Arizona is one of only two states in the country that places the burden of proof in self-defense cases on the citizen instead of the state. This is simply wrong and must be corrected this year before more abuses occur! SB 1145 will receive a Senate floor vote this coming week.
Please call your State Senator and ask him or her to support HB 2074 and SB 1145. State Senators can be reached at (602) 926-3559, or toll free at (800) 352-8404.