| Arizona Passes Law to Allow Concealed Weapons without a Permit By Maria
Springs Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed a legislative bill on April 16 that allows concealed firearms to be carried by U.S. citizens over the age of 21. The Senate Bill 1108 will take effect later this summer, 90 days after passing. It will do away with the requirement for citizens ages 21 and older to posses a concealed-weapons permit when carrying a firearm. This will also allow them to forego the classes necessary to obtain a permit and possibly background checks. The passing of the bill makes Arizona the third state to allow carrying a concealed weapons permit. Alaska and Vermont do not require permits either. "I believe this legislation not only protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, but restores those rights as well," Brewer said in a press release about the bill. While the new law will not require citizens to have a permit for a gun, it is still illegal for firearm owners to bring their weapon into some restaurants and establishments that serve alcohol. A permit is still required for that. Before the bill was passed, carrying a concealed firearm was a misdemeanor and could result in a fine up to $25,000 and spending up to six months in jail. Currently, almost any adult over the age of 18 without a criminal record can carry a weapon openly. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety records, there are currently over 154,000 gun permits in Arizona and the majority of carriers are white males over 30 living in Maricopa and Pima counties. The classes and background checks required to obtain a permit bring in about $1.8 million per fiscal year. Citizens can still choose to acquire a permit to carry it in other states or in a restaurant or bar in Arizona that serves alcohol. Citizens with a concealed weapon are still required to let a police officer know if they have one and surrender it if necessary. Supporters believe that the bill upholds the constitutional right to bear arms and allows more people to protect themselves from criminals. Article 2, Section 26 of Arizona's constitution says that "the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired." Those opposed to the bill, including many law enforcement officials, say that lax restrictions on gun control laws will result in more unqualified gun owners if classes are not required. There could also be a surge in accidental and careless shootings.
Gov. Brewer office staff (602) 542-4331 AZ State Legislature documents
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