Purpose

Requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to compile a list of states with concealed weapon law requirements that meet specified criteria and requires DPS to recognize those states’ concealed weapon permits. Allows community college districts to regulate firearms possession on district property.

Background

The State of Arizona has entered into reciprocal agreements with five states that have concealed weapon laws substantially similar to Arizona’s concealed weapon laws. Alaska, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas and Utah each have an active concealed weapon permit reciprocal agreement on file with the State of Arizona. States that do not have substantially similar laws are unable to enter reciprocal agreements with Arizona. Arizona law currently does not allow for other states’ permits to be recognized in Arizona without the reciprocal agreement. S.B. 1297 requires DPS to recognize other states’ concealed weapon permits if their requirements for issuing a permit meet specified criteria. Additionally, the legislation allows community college districts to regulate firearms possession on district property.

The Governor vetoed S.B. 1297, stating that the legislation would undermine the integrity of Arizona’s own concealed weapon program because citizens of other states would not be required to meet the same standards imposed on Arizonans. Furthermore, the Governor states that proposed changes to concealed weapon permit laws should be reviewed by the State’s Concealed Weapons Advisory Committee.

Provisions

1. Requires DPS to compile a list of states with concealed weapon laws requirements that meet specified criteria and requires DPS to recognize those states’ concealed weapons licenses or permits. Specifically, to be recognized in Arizona, other states’ concealed weapons laws must require that a permit holder:

· be a resident of the state or a United States citizen;

· be 21 years of age or older;

· not be under indictment for or convicted of any felony in the United States or any other country, even if the person’s civil rights have been restored and the conviction is expunged, set aside or vacated;

· not suffer from any mental illness or has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;

· not be unlawfully present in the United States, and

· satisfactorily complete a firearms safety training program.

2. Allows community college districts to regulate or prohibit the possession, carrying or use of firearms or ammunition on property owned or leased by a district.

3. Preempts political subdivisions of the state from regulating the manufacture of firearms or ammunition unless an exemption applies.

4. Provides for a general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Conference Committee

1. Removes provisions that exempt specified peace officers from paying a concealed weapon permit fee or renewal fee and exempt those officers from continued firearms safety training program requirements.

2. Modifies provisions related to recognition of other states concealed weapon laws.

3. Reinserts exceptions to the prohibition against political subdivisions of the State enacting ordinances, rules or taxes related to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition component.

4. Prohibits political subdivisions from regulating the manufacture of firearms or ammunition unless an exemption applies.

5. Makes conforming changes.

House Action Senate Action

APPROP 4/18/01 DPA/SE 11-4-0-1-0 Final Read 5/2/01 28-0-2-0

3^rd Read 4/24/01 32-23-5-0

Final Read 5/2/01 46-10-4-0

Vetoed by the Governor 5/8/01

Prepared by Senate Staff

May 15, 2001

Assigned to JUD AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

Purpose

Background