imported post
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfwtbrRcA8eL1rCF9qQ56omR-HqAD9EV6OJO0
This is more Alaska-style carry than Vermont-style carry. Like Alaska, you will be required to surrender your 4th and 5th Amendment protections when contacted by police and must inform them you are carrying, and allow them to take custody of the firearm if they wish during the encounter.
Permits will still be available for reciprocity purposes (like Alaska) but will not be required except when carrying in places that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
This is a giant leap in the right direction for Arizona, and the nation, but AZCDL and other gun-rights groups in that state still have a lot to fight for. If only our own homegrown groups were so motivated.
I should note that the law is not yet in effect, and still must be signed by the Governor. She has all but said she will sign it. It will go into effect sometime in late July/early August from my estimates.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfwtbrRcA8eL1rCF9qQ56omR-HqAD9EV6OJO0
PHOENIX — The Arizona House voted Thursday to make the state the third in the nation to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit, sending the governor a bill that would allow Arizonans to forego background checks and classes that are now required.
The legislation, approved by the House 36-19 without discussion, would make it legal for most U.S. citizens 21 or older to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona without the permit now required. Currently, carrying a hidden firearm without a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Sen. Russell Pearce, a Mesa Republican who sponsored the measure, said last week that he added changes requested by Gov. Jan Brewer's office, an indication that she is likely to sign it. The governor can sign or veto the measure, or allow it to become law without action.
If the legislation is enacted, Arizona would join Alaska and Vermont in not requiring permits to carry concealed weapons. Forty-five other states require permits for hidden guns, and two states — Illinois and Wisconsin — prohibit them altogether.
This is more Alaska-style carry than Vermont-style carry. Like Alaska, you will be required to surrender your 4th and 5th Amendment protections when contacted by police and must inform them you are carrying, and allow them to take custody of the firearm if they wish during the encounter.
People carrying a concealed weapon would be required to tell a police officer if asked, and the officer could temporarily take the weapon while communicating with the gun carrier.
Permits will still be available for reciprocity purposes (like Alaska) but will not be required except when carrying in places that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
Under the legislation, permits still could be obtained on an optional basis so Arizonans could carry concealed weapons in states with reciprocity agreements. Permits also would be required to carry weapons in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
This is a giant leap in the right direction for Arizona, and the nation, but AZCDL and other gun-rights groups in that state still have a lot to fight for. If only our own homegrown groups were so motivated.
I should note that the law is not yet in effect, and still must be signed by the Governor. She has all but said she will sign it. It will go into effect sometime in late July/early August from my estimates.