The Arizona House Public Safety, Military and Regulatory Affairs Committee passed two NRA-backed reforms yesterday afternoon. In a 6 to 1 vote, this Committee approved House Bill 2234, introduced by Representative David Stevens (R-14), which would revise the definition of “firearm” to conform to federal law. Also, House Bill 2554, introduced by Representative John Kavanagh (R-23), received a “Do-Pass” recommendation with a 5 to 2 vote. This bill would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense in any public buildings that lack adequate security. HB 2554 is now eligible for a final vote in the House of Representatives while HB 2234 must be approved next by the House Judiciary Committee.
HB 2554 would be a significant step towards reducing the number of “gun-free zones” that are so often the targets of crime. Under this bill, any government or public building that wishes to prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for self-defense would be required to screen all visitors for weapons. This would ensure that ALL people who enter the buildings are disarmed, not just the law-abiding citizens who choose to follow the law. If a building lacks the adequate security measures necessary to disarm all visitors, then law-abiding citizens would be allowed to carry a firearm to protect themselves while visiting that particular building. The NRA has supported similar legislation in past sessions and will continue to support these types of proposals.
Although a date for further House action on these bills has not been scheduled at this time, please contact your state Representative and politely urge them to support these two pro-gun bills. Your NRA-ILA will continue to update you as more details become available.
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