Arizona: 2015 Session Begins with the Introduction of Pro- and Anti-Gun Legislation

The 2015 legislative session has begun with the introduction of some bills which would benefit law-abiding gun owners as well as other bills which would greatly infringe upon your Second Amendment rights.

Senate Bill 1291, introduced by Senator Steve Smith (R-11), serves as a firearms preemption bill that would fortify consistency in firearm and ammunition laws through a provision that would impose penalties for willful or knowing violations of the preemption statute by localities. 

Two pro-gun bills, House Bill 2320 and House Bill 2527, will be considered by the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee on Thursday, February 5, at 9:30 A.M., in HHR 5 of the State Capitol.

HB 2320, introduced by Representative Brenda Barton (R-6), makes changes to existing law by allowing those with a valid permit to carry concealed at public establishments or events where certain security measures are not in place.

HB 2527, introduced by Representative Kern, makes a technical correction to the Arizona Revised Statute by adding the word “transfer” to the existing language. By adding the word “transfer” the statute now prohibits any agency or political subdivision of the state from enacting or implementing any law, rule or ordinance relating to the possession, transfer, or storage of firearms other than the state legislature.

Several misguided anti-gun bills have also been introduced. House Concurrent Resolution 2009 and House Bill 2118, both introduced by Representative Randall Friese (D-9), as well as Senate Bill 1269, introduced by Senator David Bradley (D-10), would create undue burdens for law-abiding gun owners by imposing restrictions on the private transfer of firearms. HCR 2009, HB 2118 and SB 1269 would make it illegal to transfer or sell any firearm without first going through a licensed firearms dealer to conduct a background check. This process does nothing to keep guns out of the hands of criminals who, by definition, do not follow the law.

Please contact the members of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee and politely urge them to support House Bill 2320 and House Bill 2527.  Contact information for Committee members can be found here.

As always, your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on these bills and others as the 2015 legislative session progresses.