Before the Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on April 20, three pro-gun bills were transmitted to Governor Jan Brewer. Senate Bill 1469, Senate Bill 1201 and House Bill 2645 have all passed through the state legislature and now await her consideration.
Senate Bill 1469 would strengthen the current “Castle Doctrine” self-defense law by broadening the definition of reasonable use of force, including deadly force, to provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves or family from an attacker. This legislation is critical to those would-be victims thrust into a life or death situation and would further protect the victim from becoming prosecuted as a criminal.
Senate Bill 1201 would, among other things, remove arbitrary bans across the state on carrying a firearm for self-defense. This pro-gun comprehensive firearms reform measure would make a number of improvements to Arizona’s carry laws. Most importantly, it would help put an end to “gun free” signs limiting your Right-to-Carry in most currently prohibited places and unsecured buildings.
House Bill 2645 is designed to meet the requirements of the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 by enabling persons who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health-related commitment or adjudication to petition a court to have them restored. Before granting a petition, the court would have to find that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that granting the requested relief would not be contrary to the public interest. This bill will ensure that people who can safely and responsibly possess firearms are not unnecessarily deprived of their rights.
It is very important that you contact Governor Jan Brewer TODAY and respectfully urge her to sign into law SB 1469, SB 1201 and HB 2645 before the May 1 deadline. Click here to e-mail the Governor or call her at (602) 542-4331.
Unfortunately, Governor Jan Brewer vetoed Senate Bill 1467 before the April 18 deadline. This legislation would have prohibited educational institutions from adopting or enforcing any policy prohibiting the possession of a concealed weapon or regulating the lawful transportation or storage of a firearm. Although, it would not have prevented colleges or universities from prohibiting the carrying of a firearm inside campus buildings. Despite this, Governor Brewer used her executive power and vetoed this self-defense reform bill. With this legislative session now adjourned, the issue will have to be addressed next session.
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