The State Of Arizona’s Gun Laws

The State Of Arizona’s Gun Laws

Gun laws are in place to regulate the transfer, sale, and possession of firearms. There are several mandated laws at the national level, designed to protect the country at large, and deter mass transport of firearms, weapons and explosives. However, with the rights of the individuals in mind, each state currently holds the legislative power to mandate their own laws and regulations (NRA, 2015). Some may choose to follow federal regulation guidelines, while others are more permissive and the National Rifle Association (NRA) and federal government only become involved when an issue expands across state lines. Not all states have the same legislation, for residents of each state often have differing views, uses, and populations. The state of Arizona, however, possesses firearm laws that are different from any other.

History Of Gun Laws In Arizona

Each state possesses the power to regulate their residents’ rights to bear arms, for each state has different interests, concerns, and demographics. In 1910, the Arizona constitution was enacted giving state residents the right to bear arms. In 1994, a state law was passed requiring concealed weapons to be carried with a permit, until April of 2010 when handguns could be carried without a permit.

Firearm regulation also pertains to ammunition. In that same year, Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona signed the Firearm Freedom Act in Spring of 2010, allowing various types of Arizona produced weapons and ammo to be sold without federal regulations (Arizona Department of Public Safety, 2017).

Arizona Vs Other States

Arizona gun laws allow state residents to carry without a permit. If a person is at least 18 years old, they are allowed to open carry. If a person is 21 years or older, however, they are able to conceal carry. However, for simplistic purposes, they offer permits to residents and non-residents so long as a firearms safety course is completed, should they desire to carry across state lines. Although Arizona may honor all other states concealed carry permits, because of its more lenient legislation, there are 13 states that do not honor an Arizona gun permit.

Of the remaining states, many offer varying reciprocity laws, that need to be reviewed on a case by case basis. An interesting, although not allowed for their own residents, the state of Oklahoma allows Arizona residents with a state issued Arizona ID to conceal carry without a permit (Arizona Department of Public Safety, 2017).

Aside From Other States, Where Else Can Arizonians Not Carry?

Carrying firearms is prohibited in few situations, but a general guideline for Arizona restrictions: anywhere there is federal regulation on the premises, firearms (open or concealed) is not allowed. With the exception of peace officers, firearms cannot be carried on K-12 school grounds, military grounds, Indian reservations, wildlife and game preserves, national parks, polling places during elections, or alcohol serving establishments (ATF, 2019).

Some of the more obvious locations that prohibit carrying firearms in Arizona as a result of federal regulation include federal buildings, airports, and correctional facilities. College universities, private establishments, and local government buildings are permitted to decide themselves if firearms are permitted or not (ATF, 2019).

Buying A Gun In Arizona

Arizona permits both private sales and through a dealer. To purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer, the buyer must be at least 21 years old. However, as long as the buyer is at least 18 years old, or an emancipated minor living alone (another Arizona exception), they can purchase a firearm, long gun or handgun, without a background check (ADPS, 2017).

Additional Arizona Regulations

Many laws require you to inform Law Enforcement if you are carrying a firearm during a traffic stop; or should they stop you at all. However, the state of Arizona does not enforce this rule. While you do not need to tell an officer upon them stopping you, should they ask if you have a firearm, you are required to provide an answer (ADPS, 2017).

National parks prohibit its visitors from carrying firearms on the premises, but state parks are a different story. State parks, state and national forests, as well as state run wildlife preserves, also allow gun owners to carry while on the grounds.

Guns Laws Of Private Property

Arizona gives its resident’s tremendous freedom compared to many other states when it comes to the regulation of firearms. The state grants many of the legislative power to private businesses in this aspect as well. A “No Weapons” sign is an enforcement of the law. Should a private property or business have this sign posted, and you choose to enter with a weapon, you will face various legal consequences.

Although Arizona requires this sign be upheld, many institutions recommend not entering any property with such a sign displayed, whether signage is part of the law or not. If you are caught carrying on a property with a “no weapons” sign displayed, you are at risk of catching multiple charges (ADPS, 2017).

Can Felons Own Guns In Arizona?

After becoming a convicted felon, many civil rights are temporarily suspended, or require a judge re-issuing these rights. In addition to being unable to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury, felons are unable to possess guns or firearms. There are some offenses that prohibit felons from possessing or carrying firearms, because of the dangerous nature of their crime(s). However, even if you have been convicted of two felonies, you may be able to restore your rights (Arizona State Laws, 2011).

Following the proper application process is crucial, and in Arizona may require a waiting period no sooner than two years of the discharge date. Typically, these decisions would be made in the court of the resident’s county, not the court in which their offense was convicted. This process can be initiated by the ex-felon themselves, or by their lawyer, competed on their behalf (Arizona State Legislature no. 54, 2020).

Does Arizona Have Gun Law Restrictions For The Mentally Ill?

Firearm regulations for the mentally ill are similar to those of convicted felons. Although some federal regulations may restrict crossing state lines with various mental illnesses or histories, the state of Arizona reviews these on a case by case basis should it be desired. As long as the resident is of legal age and is not a risk of danger to themselves or others, more often than not the right to carry with a permit is permitted. Similarly, to convicted felons, these are done in the presence of a judge and have a particular application process to ensure they would not pose any risk (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13 Section 3101).

The Bottom Line

Arizona’s state legislation strives to maintain its residents’ civil liberties, as protected by the constitution. To protect the citizens of the state of Arizona, it has left the power not only to the state and local governments, but also to private businesses and institutions on determining their restrictions. Their lassez-faire approach only becomes restrictive when dealing with federal regulations.

As their regulations are much more laxed than several other states, they have taken lengths for smooth travel in and out of Arizona should you carry a firearm. Although not required, they offer licenses and safety courses to reciprocate other state requirements. Although being an Arizona resident may make carrying a firearm or weapon an ‘easier’ process while within the state lines, once other states or federal locations become involved, those regulations take precedence for the safety of those around you, as well as yourself.