Arizona Concealed Weapons Bill

[Jman]

Concealed weapons bill about to become law

HOWARD FISCHER, CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES

April 8, 2010 - 3:10PM , updated: April 8, 2010 - 4:46PM

Arizona is on the verge of becoming the third state in the nation to let just about any adult carry a concealed weapon.

Without a word of debate, the House voted 36-19 on Wednesday to eliminate the criminal penalties that now exist if someone has a hidden gun without first getting the necessary state permit. The Senate already has approved the measure.

Senate gives final OK to concealed weapons bill

House gives OK to concealed weapons bill

That leaves only the anticipated signature of Gov. Jan Brewer on SB 1108. The change would become official 91 days after the legislative session ends, which at the current projection would put the new law on the books at the end of July.

Gubernatorial press aide Paul Senseman said Brewer wants to review the final version before making a decision. But he indicated, barring something unexpected in the bill, it will get her signature.

“Gov. Brewer has been a long-time supporter of and vigorous protector of Second Amendment rights,” he said. And Brewer herself, talking about Arizona history last year to the National Rifle Association, cited what she said was this state’s long tradition of people with guns, often not visible.

“You know, a saloon girl or two were even known to keep a derringer in their garter belt, just in case,” she said.

Only Vermont and Alaska permit any adult to carry a concealed weapon.

Under current Arizona law, any qualified adult — meaning not a convicted felon or someone mentally incapacitated — can openly carry a gun. But Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, one of the main proponents of the change, said that right, while perhaps sufficient in territorial days, is meaningless for many people today.

He said it effectively disarms a woman who would want to have a gun in a purse or anyone who would like a gun on the hip but wants to also wear a jacket.

Supporters also argued that those who do not want to carry openly should not have to get permission from the state.

Getting a permit currently requires attending an eight-hour, state-approved class. Subjects include the legality of the use of deadly force, marksmanship and judgmental shooting. And applicants must undergo a criminal background check.

Arizonans who want will still be able to get a state-issued concealed weapon permit even after the new law takes effect. One of the main benefits is that other states with their own permitting system routinely honor licenses issued in Arizona; an Arizonan with a concealed gun but without a permit going to another state would remain subject to arrest.

The legislation, if signed by Brewer, actually would make it easier to get a state permit.

Instead of having to complete a state-approved course, applicants could qualify by completing any National Rife Association firearms safety or training course, any special course offered for security guards and investigators, or any hunter education or safety course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, one of the foes of the measure, said the change will make life more difficult for police officers.

Right now, she said, officers who find someone with a concealed weapon can arrest them for that reason alone if they don’t have a permit. She said the change in law leaves officers without options when encountering gang members and others who are committing no other crime.

Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) holders in Arizona*

2000 -- 61,228

2001 -- 65,276

2002 -- 67,692

2003 -- 66,677

2004 -- 68,856

2005 -- 74,161

2006 -- 85,404

2007 -- 99,370

2008 -- 117,684

2009 -- 147,121

Latest count -- 153,209

* no data available pre 2000

Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety

[3quartertime]

Approved. Thanks for the info!