ARIZONA GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023
A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF ARIZONA’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)
Over the past ten years, Arizona’s gun laws have experienced a series of changes that reflect the evolving attitudes towards firearm ownership and regulations within the state. From concealed carry laws to background checks, these amendments have aimed to strike a balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety concerns. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the key developments in Arizona’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, organized in the form of bullet points:
2013 – Background Checks and Private Sales:
   – Arizona enacts legislation to require background checks for firearms sold at gun shows, closing a loophole that previously exempted private sales from checks.
2014 – Restoration of Rights for Non-Violent Offenders:
   – The state introduces measures to restore firearm rights to individuals convicted of non-violent felony offenses, enhancing opportunities for rehabilitation.
2015 – State Preemption of Local Firearm Regulations:
   – Arizona strengthens state preemption laws, ensuring that local jurisdictions cannot enact firearm regulations that exceed state law.
2016 – Concealed Carry Permits for Out-of-State Residents:
   – Non-residents with valid concealed carry permits from other states gain the ability to carry concealed firearms in Arizona.
2017 – “Constitutional Carry” for Concealed Carry:
   – Arizona adopts “Constitutional Carry,” allowing eligible individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
2018 – Enhanced Background Check Reporting:
   – Legislation is passed to improve reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), bolstering efforts to prevent access to firearms by prohibited individuals.
2019 – “Red Flag” Law Debate:
   – Discussion arises around “red flag” laws, which would allow law enforcement and family members to request firearm removal orders for individuals deemed dangerous.
2020 – Enhanced Training Requirements for Concealed Carry Permits:
   – The state tightens the requirements for concealed carry permits by introducing mandatory firearms training for applicants.
2021 – Regulation of Untraceable Firearms:
   – Arizona addresses concerns about untraceable “ghost guns” by introducing measures to regulate and track homemade firearms.
2022 – Firearm Purchase Waiting Period Consideration:
    – Legislation is proposed to implement a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, sparking debates over the potential impact on gun sales.
2022 – Child Access Prevention Law:
    – The state enacts legislation to promote responsible firearm storage and prevent unauthorized access by minors.
2023 – “Stand Your Ground” Law Implementation:
    – Arizona introduces a “Stand Your Ground” law, granting individuals the right to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat.
2023 – Domestic Violence Offender Restrictions:
    – Stricter regulations are imposed on firearm ownership for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses or subject to protective orders.
2023 – Ammunition Sales and Background Checks:
    – Proposed legislation aims to require background checks for all ammunition sales, sparking discussions about their impact on responsible gun ownership.
The past decade has witnessed a dynamic evolution in Arizona’s gun laws and regulations. As the state navigates the complexities of firearm ownership, debates surrounding concealed carry, background checks, and “red flag” laws continue to shape the landscape. Balancing individual rights with public safety remains a central challenge, as Arizona strives to find the equilibrium that best serves its communities. It is important for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions to ensure that the future of gun regulations in Arizona aligns with the values and priorities of its residents.
In accordance with Arizona gun laws, the registration of firearms is not necessary.
In addition, there is no requirement of permits or application for license to purchase, posses, or carry firearms. The sole exception pertains to the carrying of firearms, where a permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun.
The general guidelines for purchasing a firearm are basic: first, it is illegal to sell or transfer any kind of firearm to a minor, unless written consent by the parent or legal guardian can be produced; this also includes any kind of ammunition. Secondly, it is illegal to sell a firearm to a “prohibited possessor.” Arizona law defines the term “prohibited possessor” as :
Any individual convicted of a felony which can be classified as violent and the use of a deadly force was involved. This also includes minors who have committed such an offense, within a 10 year period from the date of the crime.
At the time of possession, the individual is currently under probation due to a conviction for a felony or domestic abuse charge, or is currently under parole.
A person currently serving out a prison sentence.
A minor unaccompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or qualified hunting or firearms instructor; the exception to the rule applies to the transportation of an unloaded firearm for hunting and practicing, between 5:00am and 10:00pm, to an area where shooting firearms is allowed.
Arizona gun laws, therefore, restrict the possession of firearms in adherence to the definitions of a “prohibited possessor.” Other regulations exist, such as no person will knowingly be in possession of a firearm that does not have the manufacturer’s serial or has been altered or destroyed in anyway, unless a member of the appropriate law enforcement or military. The exception to this rule would be any museums or a qualified and certified person allowed to handle such firearms for educational purposes at specified institutions.
Carrying firearms, according to Arizona gun laws, is generally allowed as long as the weapon is not concealed. Of course, there are certain rules and regulations in place in order to insure a level of public safety.
No person is allowed to carry a concealed firearm in Arizona, unless the appropriate permit can be reproduced. A “concealed weapon,” as defined by Arizona gun laws, refers to handgun to that is not in plain sight or easily visible. A handgun in a belt holster that is visible or carried in luggage is not considered concealed.
To qualify for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, an individual must be over 21 years of age, a resident of the state, submit fingerprints for a background check, complete a firearm safety program, and provide for the necessary fees and costs. The permit is only valid for four years, and must also be renewed every four years.
Although a permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, there are exceptions present under Arizona gun law. One restriction is that no person can carry a firearm to public events unless otherwise specified by law. This excludes events that involve hunting or similar activities. This is also extended to other public facilities, such as schools.
The exclusion regarding to schools applies only to unloaded firearms in a car or other means of transportation that is under the use of an adult; if not being operated, the firearm must not be visible and the car locked. A firearm may also be approved by a school-sanctioned program to be on the property.
