Today, the Arizona Senate approved two pro-gun bills. House Bill 2455 passed by a 18-12 vote and would prohibit government-sponsored destruction of seized or surrendered firearms. Introduced by state Representative Brenda Barton (R-6), HB 2455 passed in the House of Representatives by a 36 to 23 vote on March 7.
The Arizona Senate also approved House Bill 2326 by 19-11 vote. Sponsored by state Representative Eddie Farnsworth (R-12), HB 2326 would provide meaningful privacy protections for firearm owners, and passed in the Arizona House by a 46 to 13 vote on March 7. Both of these bills are eligible for Governor Jan Brewer’s signature.
HB 2455 would require any firearms forfeited to or confiscated by a law enforcement agency to be sold to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in exchange for money, new equipment or ammunition. As a result, previously owned firearms that are collected would maintain their value and their sale to the public would help recover public funds when budgets are strained.
HB 2326 would restrict the ability of any political subdivision from requiring or retaining a record in any form, whether permanent or temporary, of any identifying information of a person who owns, possesses, purchases, sells or transfers a firearm. In other parts of the country, anti-gun media outlets have abused their privileges under the Freedom of Information Act and have jeopardized the safety of law-abiding citizens by publishing the names and addresses of registered gun owners. Contrary to their claims, these media elites have not increased public safety and have instead simply provided a map for criminals to use for their next burglary and firearm theft. HB 2326 would prevent this from happening in Arizona.
Thank you to the state Senators who voted for these important pro-gun reforms and to NRA members who have contacted their state legislators in support of them. Please contact Governor Brewer and politely ask that she sign House Bills 2455 and 2326 into law.
Governor Jan Brewer:
Phoenix Office: (602) 542-4331
Tucson Office: (520) 628-6580