ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
permits to carry
concealed weapons
Requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to compile a list of states that allow a person to legally carry a concealed weapon without a permit or license and allows residents of those states to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona if certain conditions are met. Allows political subdivisions to regulate firearms possession on community college district property.
DPS has statutory authority to enter into reciprocal agreements with states that have concealed weapons laws substantially similar to Arizona’s laws. Reciprocal agreements allow a person with an Arizona permit to carry a concealed weapon in other states that have reached an agreement with Arizona, and Arizona reciprocates by recognizing permits issued by the state that is a party to the agreement. 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.
H.B. 2486 allows residents of states that permit carrying of concealed weapons without a permit to carry concealed weapons in Arizona if the person’s state of residence requires certain criteria to be met before allowing the individual to carry a concealed weapon. These criteria include residency or citizenship requirements and age restrictions. According to DPS, Vermont is the only state that does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and Vermont does not have the firearms safety training program requirements that are required under Arizona law.
DPS does not anticipate a fiscal impact from this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DPS to compile a list of states that allow persons to legally carry concealed weapons without a license or permit.
2. Allows residents from those other states to carry concealed weapons in Arizona if the other states’ concealed weapons laws require a person to:
a) be a resident of the state or a United States citizen;
b) be 21 years of age or older;
c) not be under indictment for or convicted of any misdemeanor related to domestic violence in the United States or any other country;
d) 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;
e) not suffer from mental illness or not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;
f) be lawfully present in the United States, and
g) satisfactorily complete a firearms safety training program that meets the requirements of training programs approved in Arizona by DPS.
3. Allows political subdivisions to regulate or prohibit the possession, carrying or use of firearms or ammunition on property owned or leased by a community college district.
4. Requires DPS to keep confidential any information submitted or compiled regarding states that allow persons to legally carry a concealed weapon without a license or permit.
5. Makes a technical change.
6. Provides for a general effective date.
House Action
RGO 2/12/02 DP 4-3-1-2
3rd Read 3/27/02 35-21-4-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 12, 2002