Arizona: State Preemption Bill Expected for House Vote This Week, Governor Signs Pro-Gun Bill

Today, the state preemption bill, Senate Bill 1291, passed through the House Committee of the Whole with a friendly amendment and is expected for third reading by the full House of Representatives sometime this week.  As previously reported, Senate Bill 1291, introduced by state Senator Steve Smith (R-11), will improve the state firearms preemption law to ensure consistency throughout the Grand Canyon State.  This is done by providing a mechanism to declare unlawful regulations null and void in addition to providing penalties for knowing and willful violations by localities.  SB 1291 is a much-needed protection and will ensure compliance with existing state law.  Please contact your state Representatives today and politely urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 1291.

Yesterday, House Bill 2527, introduced by state Representative Anthony Kern (R-20), was signed by Governor Doug Ducey (R).  As previously reported, HB 2527 makes a technical correction to the Arizona Revised Statute by adding the word “transfer” to the existing language.  By making this addition, 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.  HB 2527 was sent to Governor Ducey after passing the House of Representatives with a 35 to 23 vote, and the Senate with an 18 to 10 vote.  Please contact Governor Ducey and thank him for signing into law House Bill 2527.

Unfortunately, House Bill 2320 was defeated by the Senate Committee of the Whole yesterday with a 14 to 15 vote.  HB2320, introduced by state 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.  This bill passed the House of Representatives with a 33 to 25 vote as well as the Senate Government Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Please stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates on gun-related bills as they progress through the Arizona Legislature.