Proposed Gun Control Reform Hits Close to Home in Arizona

After December’s unprecedented amount of gun violence, firearms have been a hot topic in America. Many states (and even our vice president) are pushing for comprehensive gun reform.

Here in the Valley, people love guns. Arizona is home to a slew of gun-toting citizens that take pride in their arms. Accordingly, the Grand Canyon State also boasts some of the most lax gun control in the country.

Arizona has done little to restrict guns in its 100 years as a state. Handguns and rifles can be purchased without a permit. The buyer only needs to pass an instant criminal background check and obtain authorization from the Arizona Firearms Clearance center. These protocols take merely minutes. Arizonans can be out the door with a new gun in no time.

In 2010, the legislature passed a law that gave qualifying citizens of Arizona the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Arizonians are still required to obtain a permit to bring a gun into certain places like bars.

To conceal and carry a firearm, you must be at least 21 and not be a prohibited possessor. “Prohibited possessors” include those charged with violent felonies and people who are considered a danger to themselves or others.

There are certain areas even Arizona won’t allow guns. Firearms are prohibited in polling places on election day, in high schools and other distinctive locales. For the most part, Arizona gives a green light to gun owners.

Although Arizona gun laws appear forgiving and lenient, they can be quite complex and are always at risk of being changed. On Thursday, Senator Linda Lopez of Tucson introduced legislation that could lead to stricter gun laws in Arizona.

Firearms violations are taken very seriously and could lead to severe civil and/or criminal penalties. To ensure you are in compliance with Arizona’s gun laws, contact Alcock & Associates at (602) 989-5000. Consultations are always free.