Senate Bill 1145, the "Castle Doctrine" sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (R-30), passed the full Senate this week with a strong bi-partisan vote of 28-0. In addition to codifying the "Castle Doctrine," this critically important legislation returns the "Burden of Proof" in self-defense cases to the state, which corrects the current “guilty-until-you-prove-your-innocence” standard.
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. In Arizona, the county prosecutor decides justification of self-defense. This is simply wrong and must be corrected this year before more abuses occur!
SB 1145 now moves to the House of Representatives. County attorneys are working hard to maintain this unfair standard because it makes their jobs much easier. Your voice must be heard! Please call your two State Representatives at (800) 352-8404 and request that they support SB 1145 in the House.
House Bill 2076, sponsored by Representative Chuck Gray (R-19), passed the full House by a vote of 38-21. This legislation will compel state and local governments to comply with the 2000 statutory requirement to store firearms for citizens when they prohibit firearm possession on their property. Many government entities have refused to comply with this requirement. The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration. Please call your State Senator at (800) 352-8404 and ask him or her to support HB 2076.
Senate Bill 1425, Emergency Powers; Gun Owner Protection, sponsored by Senator Dean Martin (R-06) passed the full Senate by a vote of 25-3. This legislation strictly prohibits the government from further restricting the citizens' Right to Keep and Bear Arms during a state of emergency, therefore ensuring that law-abiding citizens have the necessary means to protect themselves and their families, and their property if the need should arise. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Please contact your two Representatives at (800) 352-8404 and ask that they support SB 1425.