Arizona: Numerous NRA-Backed Bills on the Move in the Legislature

With a number of pro-gun bills on the move in the Arizona Legislature, we will narrow the focus to these four bills explained below:

Senate Bill 1469 is an NRA-backed bill pending its next vote as early as today, February 14, by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  This bill bolsters Castle Doctrine legislation by adding broader parameters, including the use of deadly force, to provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves.

Senate Bill 1201, would help to put an end to “gun free” signs limiting your right to carry in prohibited places and semi-secured buildings.  SB 1201 passed out of committee last week by a 6 to 2 vote, now waiting its consideration by the Committee of a Whole (COW) before moving to the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 1467 is also in the Senate Judiciary Committee and could be heard as early as this week.  SB 1467 would prohibit an educational institution from adopting or enforcing any policy prohibiting the possession of a concealed weapon by a permit holder or for the lawful transportation or storage of a firearm.

The House Judiciary Committee had its second reading of House Bill 2563 last Thursday, February 10 and awaits its final committee hearing before moving to the COW.  This bill is designed to create a state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Act of 2007 (NIAA) and to grant relief from mental health disabilities that prevent firearms ownership.

People who have been placed under certain types of mental health orders are banned by federal law from possessing firearms, with no ability to appeal the decision or restore their rights.  HB 2563’s language is essential to providing the return of an enumerated constitutional right to someone who, under review, has been declared fit to possess a firearm.  It benefits both citizens and state, and fully complies with the guidelines set forth by the federal government.

The federal NICS Improvement Act of 2007 set clear minimum standards for states to craft their laws to provide relief.  House Bill 2563 would implement the criteria set in the 2007 NIAA and grant the Arizona authorities to transmit information concerning disqualified persons to the federal databases.

Please continue you check your email and www.NRAILA.org for updates on these bills, as well as other Second Amendment-related legislation.