ARIZONA CITIZENS DEFENSE LEAGUE

Check here for the latest AzCDL news 

December 15, 2009

Gun Show volunteers needed in January 2010.

Interested in volunteering?  Volunteers who work at the AzCDL table for a few hours get into gun shows FREE!
To volunteer for Phoenix & Mesa gun shows, contact John.
To volunteer for Tucson gun shows, contact Tom.

The following gun shows are scheduled for January 2010:
January 2 & 3, 2010 at the Mesa Centennial Hall.
January 16 & 17, 2010 at the Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson.
January 23 & 34, 2010 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix.

If you can spare a few hours we would deeply appreciate your help.  AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers.  Gun shows provide a great opportunity to educate other gun owners about our hard won successes.

If you are aware of any event (tea party rally, etc.) that you believe would present an opportunity for AzCDL to share our goals and accomplishments, please contact Duke.

If your AzCDL membership is coming up for renewal, you’ll save $10 if you renew at a gun show!  It’s like getting paid to attend the show!  Sustaining memberships also get a FREE AzCDL T-Shirt.  Not a member?  Not a problem!  You can join AzCDL at these gun shows.

December 1, 2009

AzCDL joins in amicus brief on Supreme Court gun-ban case.

The Arizona Citizens Defense League has joined with other pro-rights individuals, groups and several district attorneys in the filing of an “amicus (friend of the court) brief” with the United State Supreme Court in the case of McDonald v. Chicago, the most critical Second Amendment case since the Heller decision upheld our individual right to keep and bear arms. 

In April 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in Nordyke v. King that the Second Amendment is “incorporated” through the Fourteenth Amendment and applicable to all state and local governments.  However in McDonald v. Chicago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that the Second Amendment is NOT incorporated through the Fourteenth Amendment and that state and local government laws regarding firearms are not affected by the Second Amendment. 

In September, the Supreme Court agreed to consider the McDonald case.  We are asking the Supreme Court to hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.  You can find a copy of the amicus brief here .

Alan Korwin, AzCDL Member and prolific author, whose books include The Arizona Gun Owner’s Guide, is following the McDonald case closely and has posted a plain English summary of the issues at stake at his website.  Alan’s extensive research and material were used in crafting our amicus brief, which was submitted by California attorney Chuck Michel.

You can also read more about the McDonald case at the Second Amendment Foundation’s website.

November 25, 2009

Important bills pending – PAC donations critical!

Even though the legislative session doesn’t start until January, AzCDL never rests.  Over the summer, we have drafted several legislative proposals, and AzCDL’s representatives have begun meeting with potential sponsors.  As a result, we are expecting some important pro-rights legislation to be introduced at the beginning of the next session of the Legislature in January 2010.

2010 is also an election year, and AzCDL members now have an extra tool to help legislators “see the light” on important legislation – our Political Action Committee (PAC).  Campaign donations speak loudly to legislators seeking reelection.  PAC money also allows us to help new candidates challenge sitting legislators who are not appreciative of AzCDL’s fight to restore and preserve your rights.  However, like Sampson’s legendary hair, our PAC coffers must be full in order to display our strength.  The primaries are in August and we expect things to heat up – we want to see principled, pro-rights leaders get elected.

YOUR donations are the fuel that the PAC needs to be strong and successful.  Please donate today!

AzCDL’s PAC is a force-multiplier for your individual donation.  No matter what the size of your donation, when combined with hundreds or thousands of others, it WILL make a big difference.  All donations are welcome!  We are in a dangerous era, and it’s time to make hard decisions.  Which is more important, an extra box of plinking ammo or the election of men and women who will fight for your ability to keep using that ammo in Arizona?

AzCDL has over 2,500 members, and we’re on the way to having over 3,000 members in the early days of the next legislative session.  If every member donated $10 to the PAC, we could make a serious difference in the outcome of the 2010 elections.  Think of what we could do if everyone was able to donate even more!  AzCDL has already had a tremendous impact on Arizona’s gun laws in just a few years.  With a strong and vibrant PAC, we have the potential to significantly alter the political landscape for future legislative sessions. 

In keeping with our focus on Arizona legislation, the PAC is limited to supporting or opposing candidates for the Arizona legislature or other statewide offices (e.g., Governor).  Arizona law prohibits the use of PAC monies to support or oppose candidates for Federal offices or any local (county, city, town, etc.) elections.  You can learn more at the AzCDL PAC website.

November 18, 2009

Celebrate Bill of Rights Day – December 15, 2009

With the current Administration promising to “fundamentally transform the United States of America,” it is important that we remember and honor the principles that make America exceptional. 

Please join us in Phoenix and Tucson to commemorate the ratification of our Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791.

Alan Korwin, author, publisher, and AzCDL member, has organized a Phoenix celebration at the historic Wrigley Mansion.  A capacity crowd is expected, seating is limited, and you must RSVP to attend.

In Tucson, Charles Heller, local radio celebrity and AzCDL’s Secretary, is hosting an event at Delectable’s Restaurant.  Again, seating is limited and reservations are required.  At Delectable’s the open carrying of firearms is welcomed (no alcohol will be served).

November 12, 2009

Gun Show volunteers needed in December – FREE Admission!

Interested in volunteering?  Volunteers who work at the AzCDL table for a few hours get into gun shows FREE!
To volunteer for Phoenix gun shows, contact John.
To volunteer for Tucson gun shows, contact Tom.

The biggest gun show of the year will be at the Arizona State Fairgrounds for 3 days on December 4, 5 & 6, 2009.  AzCDL will be staffing two tables at this show.  To volunteer, contact John.

As an added bonus, we reserved a third table in the Small Arms Review (SAR) building for AzCDL gun show volunteers who have items they would like to sell.  If you are volunteering and want to take advantage of the “members only” table, please contact Duke.

Following the Phoenix gun show are two Tucson area shows:
December 12 & 13, 2009 at the Pima County Fairgrounds (Arizona Arms Association).
December 19 & 20, 2009 at the Tucson Expo Center (McMann’s Roadrunner).
To volunteer for these Tucson gun shows, contact Tom.

December is your last chance to get that “must have for Christmas” firearm, accessory or hard to get ammo.  Volunteer to help AzCDL spread the word and you’ll have a few more dollars in your pocket because AzCDL table volunteers get in the gun show for free!

If you can spare a few hours we would deeply appreciate your help.  AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers.  Gun shows provide a great opportunity to educate other gun owners about our hard won successes .

If your AzCDL membership is coming up for renewal, you’ll save $10 if you renew at a gun show!  It’s like getting paid to attend the show!  Sustaining memberships also get a FREE AzCDL T-Shirt.  Not a member?  Not a problem!  You can join AzCDL at these gun shows.

November 6, 2009

2010 AzCDL Annual Meeting - Phoenix!

We thank all who attended AzCDL’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Members in Tucson – you made it a huge success!   We are already planning the 2010 meeting in Phoenix.  Mark your calendars for October 2, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Phoenix; 2532 W. Peoria Avenue, Phoenix.  

We have decided that one of the door prizes for our 2010 Annual Meeting will be a gun!  But you must be present to win.  As more information becomes available, we will post it on our website.

2010 is also a big election year for statewide offices in Arizona, as well as at the Federal level.  AzCDL has created a Political Action Committee (PAC) to use our collective strength towards influencing the outcome of state level races.  We urge you to join forces with the many others who have contributed to the AzCDL PAC .

Even though the legislative session doesn’t start until January, that doesn’t mean we’ve been on vacation.  We have drafted several legislative proposals, and AzCDL’s representatives are scheduling appointments with possible sponsors in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned….

October 27, 2009

Gun show volunteers needed for November.

AzCDL will have tables at two gun shows in November - one in Tucson and one in Mesa.
Tucson volunteers please contact Tom.
Mesa volunteers please contact John.

The Tucson gun show will be on November 7 & 8 at the Pima County Fairgrounds. 

The Mesa gun show will be on November 21 & 22 at the Mesa Centennial Hall.

If you can spare a few hours to volunteer at either of these gun shows, we would deeply appreciate your help.  AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers all over Arizona.  Gun shows and other events provide a great opportunity to educate potential members about our goals and hard won successes .

Volunteers who work the AzCDL table for a few hours get into events FREE!

If your membership is coming up for renewal soon, stop by the AzCDL table and renew at the “event special” rate ($10 off!).  Sustaining memberships get a FREE AzCDL T-Shirt.

October 20, 2009

AzCDL October 2009 Newsletter available online

The AzCDL Newsletter for October 2009 is available for viewing and downloading on our Newsletter page.

This edition of the newsletter contains a summary of the new laws in effect from the 2009 legislative session along with how your Representatives and Senator voted on key pro-rights bills.

October 11, 2009

2009 Voting Records posted at AzCDL website.

Wonder how your elected State Representatives and/or Senators voted on key pro-rights bills this year?  Look here.

AzCDL’s 2009 annual meeting on YouTube?  Within days of our 2009 annual meeting of members, videos of the event were posted on YouTube:
Senator Russell Pearce’s speech to AzCDL’s membership & 
Highlights of the meeting.

To the over 300 members who attended – Thank you!

AzCDL will be at two events this coming weekend (October 16, 17, 18). 

In Phoenix, AzCDL will participate in the Take Back America forum on October 16 & 17, 2009.  For more information, contact John.

During Tombstone’s Helldorado Days, AzCDL will have a table at the gun show on October 17 & 18, 2009, being held in the old Tombstone High School Gym.  Parking is free!   .  For more information contact Tom.

October 4, 2009

Volunteers needed for October events.

October will be a very busy month for AzCDL.  We have four events that we will be working:  A Tea Party, a Freedom Forum and two gun shows.

Tea Party volunteers please contact Duke.
Freedom Forum volunteers please contact John.
Tombstone & Tucson Gun Show volunteers please contact Tom.

The Tea Party event will be on October 10, 2009 at the Tucson Electric Park, 2500 E. Ajo Way.  Please contact Duke for more information.

The Freedom Forum on October 16 & 17, 2009. 
Please contact John for more information.

On October 17 & 18, 2009, AzCDL will have a table at the Tombstone gun show.  It’s a perfect time of year to visit historic Tombstone.  The show will be held at the old High School Gymnasium on 6th & Allen Streets.   Please contact Tom for more information.

On October 24 & 25, 2009, AzCDL will have a table at the gun show held at the Tucson Expo Center (free parking!).  Please contact Tom for more information.

As you can see, AzCDL is expanding our outreach efforts beyond gun shows, but we can only do this with your support.  If you can spare a few hours to work any of these events, we would deeply appreciate your help.  AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers all over Arizona.  Gun shows and other events provide a great opportunity to educate potential members about our goals and hard won successes.

Volunteers who work the AzCDL table for a few hours get into events FREE!

If your membership is coming up for renewal soon, stop by the AzCDL table and renew at the “event special” rate ($10 off!).  Sustaining memberships get a FREE AzCDL T-Shirt.

Not a member?  Not a problem!  You can join AzCDL at any of these events!

September 25, 2009

New gun laws effective September 30, 2009.

In just a few days, bills that were signed by Governor Brewer back in July will become law.  The following are a few key pro-rights bills that will become effective after midnight on September 30, 2009.

Defensive Display – Clarifies and codifies the defensive display of a firearm, such as:
- exposing or displaying a firearm in a manner that a reasonable person would understand was meant to protect the person against another’s use or attempted use of unlawful or deadly physical force
- verbally informing another person that the person possesses or has available a firearm
- placing the person’s hand on a firearm while the firearm is contained in a pocket, purse or other means of containment or transport.

Parking Lot Vehicle Firearm Storage – Prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.

Restaurant Carry – CCW permit holders may carry concealed handguns in establishments that serve alcohol providing there is no signage prohibiting firearms and the person carrying the firearm does not consume alcohol.

September 18, 2009

Last week to register for annual meeting reservations!

We invite you to join hundreds of your fellow AzCDL members for the Arizona Citizens Defense League’s Annual Meeting of Members (and barbeque!) on October 3, 2009 at the Beaudry Event Center, 3200 E. Irvington, in Tucson.
 
There is only one week left to register.  All reservations must be received by AzCDL no later than Saturday, September 26, 2009. 

We want to pack the house!  Make your reservation for AzCDL’s annual meeting at this weekend’s (Sept. 19 & 20) gun show at the Tucson Convention Center and AzCDL will give you a new (or renewed) membership for FREE!  Join or renew as a Sustaining annual member and we’ll knock $10 off the membership cost (you only pay $40) and give you TWO annual meeting dinner tickets PLUS a free AzCDL t-shirt. 

All annual meeting attendees will be eligible for our door prize drawing of a Front Sight Course Certificate, good for a 4-day Defensive Pistol, Tactical Shotgun or Practical Rifle class.  The certificate also allows two people to attend a 2-day version of these classes.

As with all AzCDL gatherings, the tasteful OPEN carrying of firearms is encouraged.  What good is a right if we don’t exercise it?

September 11, 2009

AzCDL Political Action Committee.

The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) is pleased to announce the formation of the AzCDL Political Action Committee (PAC). 

In keeping with our focus on Arizona legislation, the PAC is limited to supporting (or opposing) candidates for the Arizona legislature or other statewide offices (e.g., Governor).  Arizona law prohibits the use of PAC monies to support/oppose candidates for Federal offices or any local (county, city, town, etc.) elections.  You can learn more at the AzCDL PAC website.

With our PAC, AzCDL’s impact on legislation is strengthened by the added ability to support candidates whose positions are aligned with AzCDL’s goals, while actively opposing anti-rights candidates.  We urge everyone to support our PAC.  All donations are welcome!  You can also make donations to AzCDL PAC at AzCDL’s gun show tables and at our Annual Meeting on October 3,2009 in Tucson.

August 28, 2009

Look who is speaking at AzCDL’s annual meeting!

We have confirmed the following speakers for AzCDL’s Annual Meeting of Members on October 3, 2009 at the Beaudry Event Center, 3200 E. Irvington, in Tucson.

Senator Jonathon Paton (District 30, Chair, Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee).
Senator Russell Pearce (District 18, Chair, Arizona Senate Appropriations Committee).
Representative John Kavanagh (District 8, Chair, Arizona House Appropriations Committee).
Jesse Kelly (Candidate for Arizona’s Eighth U.S. Congressional District).

If you have not already reserved your tickets for AzCDL’s annual meeting, we urge you to do so before time runs out.

If you are a Life Member, or if you joined AzCDL or renewed your membership after June 30, 2009, you are eligible to attend the Annual Meeting luncheon for FREE, or at a steeply discounted rate, depending on the cost of your membership.  Otherwise, the fee for lunch is $25 per person, which includes a FREE Basic Annual AzCDL membership!  If you have any questions, please direct them to Fred.

Prior to the meeting, a buffet luncheon will be served at 1:00 PM.  Lunch will be catered by Port-A-Pit and will feature their Pit Chicken, Country-Style Pork Ribs and Tri-Tip.  Side dishes include salads, beans and muffins.  Desert is a mixed berry cobbler.  Iced tea, water, lemonade and coffee are included.  Vegetarian alternatives will also be available.

The schedule of events is a follows:
Noon – Registration and seating for lunch
1:00 PM – Lunch is served
2:00 PM – Annual Meeting begins
4:00 PM – Adjournment

Reservations must be received by Saturday, September 26, 2009.  Pre-payment is required to reserve meals.

All attendees will be eligible for our door prize drawing of a Front Sight Course Certificate, good for a 4-day Defensive Pistol, Tactical Shotgun or Practical Rifle class.  The certificate also allows two people to attend a 2-day version of these classes. 

August 21, 2009

Gun Show volunteers needed in September – FREE Admission!

There is a gun show EVERY week in September and we need YOUR help!
September 5 & 6 – Pima county Fairgrounds (Tucson).
September 12 & 13 – Arizona State Fairgrounds (Phoenix).
September 19 & 20 – Tucson Convention Center.
September 26 & 27 – Mesa Centennial Hall.

Interested in volunteering?  Volunteers who work at the AzCDL table for a few hours get into gun shows FREE!
To volunteer for Phoenix gun shows, contact John.
To volunteer for Tucson gun shows, contact Tom .

If you can spare a few hours we would deeply appreciate your help.  AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our gun show volunteers.  Gun shows provide a great opportunity to educate other gun owners about our hard won successes.  Come on down and spend some time observing the other volunteers.  When you feel ready, step on in.  We also need volunteers to manage the table, help hand out flyers and brochures, and keep an eye on things. 

If your membership is coming up for renewal soon, stop by the table and renew at the “gun show special” rate ($10 off!).  Sustaining memberships get a FREE AzCDL T-Shirt.  Not a member?  Not a problem!  You can join AzCDL at the gun show!

AzCDL RECESSION-BUSTER SPECIAL!  Make your reservation for AzCDL’s annual meeting and AzCDL will give you a new (or renewed) membership for FREE!  Where else can you get such a great deal in the 0bama Economy?

August 14, 2009

August 23rd Open Carry dinner in Casa Grande.

To celebrate the passage of pro-rights legislation this year, AzCDL invites you to join us for dinner (“Dutch treat”) and fellowship at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Casa Grande.  Open Carry is encouraged. 

RSVP appreciated by August 18, 2009 to john.rosado@AzCDL.org .

Place:  Golden Corral Restaurant, 2082 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, AZ 85222
Time:  4:00 pm to whenever
Date:  August 23, 2009

Since we are expecting a sizeable crowd, we need to let the restaurant know how many to expect so they can accommodate us.  If you plan on attending, contact john.rosado@azcdl.org by August 18 2009 and let him know how many people you are bringing along.

August 8, 2009

AzCDL Update

We still have about 2 months before all the bills that were passed in the 2009 legislative session become effective.  Meanwhile the Legislature is tied up in a special session working on the budget.  It will be January before the next regular session legislative begins and we engage in the next round of battles to restore and protect our rights.

AzCDL is establishing a Political Action Committee (PAC)!  When everything gets firmed up, we will announce the details.

If your membership is coming up for renewal you can save $10 off the membership fee by renewing (or getting friends and family members to join) at any gun show where AzCDL has a presence.  In August, AzCDL will be at the Tombstone gun show (August 8 & 9) and at the Prescott Valley gun show (August 15 & 16).

We encourage you to attend AzCDL’s annual meeting on October 3, 2009 at the Beaudry Event Center, 3200 E. Irvington, in Tucson.  As with all our Annual Meetings, the tasteful open carrying of firearms is appreciated.  The fee for lunch is $25 per person.  The price includes a FREE Basic Annual AzCDL membership!  If you are a Life Member, or if you joined AzCDL or renewed your membership after June 30, 2009, you are eligible to attend the Annual Meeting luncheon for FREE, or at a steeply discounted rate, depending on the cost of your membership.  Details can be found on the reservation form.

July 21, 2009

Harold Fish released from prison!

After spending nearly 3 years in prison for defending himself while hiking, Harold Fish was released from custody today, thanks in large part to the passage of SB 1449, sponsored by Senator Linda Gray, which was signed by the Governor on July 13, 2009. 

SB 1449 retroactively applies the restoration of the “innocent until proven guilty” language, that passed out of the Legislature via SB 1145 in 2006, to cases pending at the time of SB 1145’s passage.  The most egregious of these was the trial of Harold Fish.

Harold Fish was hiking in Coconino County when a man with a violent history and his two dogs attacked him.  Mr. Fish was forced to fire at his attacker, killing him.  What Mr. Fish did not know, and could not know, was the violent history of his attacker.  A history, among many other facts of the case, that the judge and prosecutor would not allow in court for the jury to consider.  Before Mr. Fish’s trial, the Arizona Legislature returned the law from  "guilty until proven innocent", back to "innocent until proven guilty" in self defense cases via SB 1145.  Unfortunately, the trial was conducted under the old law and Mr. Fish was convicted.  A state appeals court overturned the conviction on June 30, 2009 and ordered a new trial, saying the judge's jury instructions inadequately described the law of self-defense.  On July 13, 2009, Governor Brewer signed SB 1449.  Even though SB 1449 is not due to become law until September 30, 2009, prosecutors cited the new law along with the appellate court decision as reasons not to retry Mr. Fish. 

What makes Harold Fish’s story important is that it could have happened to any law-abiding gun owner.  In 1997, the Legislature and Governor passed a law that completely stripped away our supposedly Constitutional right of presumed innocence, a mistake that wasn’t corrected until 2006.  We must remain vigilant and never allow such a travesty to happen again.

July 20, 2009

AzCDL July 2009 Newsletter available online

The AzCDL Newsletter for July 2009 is available for viewing and downloading.

This edition of the newsletter contains a review of the recently adjourned legislative session.

July 17, 2009

AzCDL Annual Meeting – October 3, 2009 – Tucson!

The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) cordially invites you to our Annual Meeting of Members on October 3, 2009 at the Beaudry Event Center, 3200 E. Irvington, in Tucson.

As with all our Annual Meetings, the tasteful open carrying of firearms is appreciated.

Prior to the meeting, a buffet luncheon will be served at 1:00 PM.  Lunch will be catered by Port-A-Pit and will feature their Pit Chicken, Country-Style Pork Ribs and Tri-Tip.  Side dishes include salads, beans and muffins.  Desert is a mixed berry cobbler.  Iced tea, water, lemonade and coffee are included.  Vegetarian alternatives will also be available.

Those having lunch will need to register and pre-pay by September 26, 2009.

The fee for lunch is $25 per person.  The price includes a FREE Basic Annual AzCDL membership!  If you are a Life Member, or if you joined AzCDL or renewed your membership after June 30, 2009, you are eligible to attend the Annual Meeting luncheon for FREE, or at a steeply discounted rate, depending on the cost of your membership.  Details can be found on the reservation form .

The schedule of events is a follows:
Noon – Registration and seating for lunch
1:00 PM – Lunch is served
2:00 PM – Annual Meeting begins
4:00 PM – Adjournment

More details and a reservation form can be found at our annual meeting web page.

Reservations must be received by Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Pre-payment is required to reserve meals.

All attendees will be eligible for our door prize drawing of a Front Sight Course Certificate, good for a 4-day Defensive Pistol, Tactical Shotgun or Practical Rifle class.  The certificate also allows two people to attend a 2-day version of these classes.

July 14, 2009

Governor signs pro-rights bills!

Yesterday afternoon (7/13/09), Governor Brewer signed a number of bills.

The following are key pro-rights bills that the Governor signed.

SB 1113, a limited “Restaurant Carry” bill, applicable only to CCW permit holders.

SB 1168, the “Parking Lot” bill that prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.
 
SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies and codifies the defensive display of a firearm.

SB 1449, which retroactively applies the restoration of the “innocent until proven guilty” language, that became law in 2006, to cases pending at the time of passage.

Another bill that quietly worked its way through the Legislature and was signed on July 10, 2009 by the Governor, was SB 1437, which adds persons certified by a “national association of firearms owners” (e.g., NRA) to the list of persons qualified to be an Arizona Gun Safety Program Course instructor.  Currently, instructors may only be certified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 

Bills signed by the Governor become effective September 30, 2009.

July 9, 2009

Waiting on the Governor.

The Legislature adjourned on July 1, 2009 and sent a number of bills to the Governor.  The Governor has three options when a bill gets to her desk – sign, no action or veto.  Signing, or not taking any action on, a bill has the same effect – it becomes law 90 days after the end of the session.  A veto requires an override by the legislature.

The Governor has 10 days, not counting Sundays, from the end of the legislative session to veto a bill.  That clock stops ticking this coming Monday, July 13, 2009.  While the governor has vetoed a number of other bills and called the Legislature into a special session to rework the budget, pro-rights bills are still sitting on her desk.  It’s unlikely that we will know their fate before Monday.  The bills we are awaiting the Governor’s response on are:

SB 1113, “Restaurant Carry”.

SB 1168, the “Parking Lot” bill that prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.
 
SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies and codifies the defensive display of a firearm.

SB 1449, which retroactively applies the restoration of the “innocent until proven guilty” language, that became law in 2006, to cases pending at the time of passage.

July 1, 2009

Sine Die!

“Sine Die” is the Latin term the Arizona Legislature uses to signify the adjournment of the legislative session.  The Senate adjourned this morning, July 1, 2009 at 7:30 AM.  The House adjourned at 7:31 AM.  It’s officially over folks.  Unless a Special Session is called by the Governor, we have a 6 month reprieve on any further legislative meddling in our lives.

Unfortunately HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill that was amended to include Petty Offense and Defensive Display language, failed in the House at 5:10 AM this morning.  It passed in the Senate Third Read by a 18-5-7 vote around 2 AM but when it was voted on in the House Final Read, it failed by one vote, 30-10 with 20 (Yes, twenty!) members not voting.  Five of those twenty who were not present for the vote were Republicans who had indicated to us that they would vote for the bill.  If they had been present, HB 2439 would have easily passed.  The Republicans missing during the final vote were Nancy Barto (R7), Rich Crandall (R19), Adam Driggs (R11), Bill Konopnicki (R5), Lucy Mason (R1), and Doug Quelland (R10).  If you are in their Districts, please keep this in mind next November.

Despite the setback with HB 2439, there are four pro-rights bills that made it through the legislative gauntlet and are headed to the governor’s desk.  They are SB 1113, SB 1168, SB 1243 and SB 1449.

SB 1113, a “Restaurant Carry” bill laden with concessions to appease opponents, passed in the House Third Read yesterday by a 40-19-1 vote.  Early this morning, it passed the Senate Final Read by a 19-8-3 vote.   In the final version of SB 1113:
- “Open carry” is not allowed in places serving alcohol.  The firearm must be concealed.
- Only individuals with CCW permits may carry a concealed firearm where alcohol is served.
- The individual legally carrying the firearm may not consume alcohol.
- The penalty for violating the law is a class 3 misdemeanor.
- Establishments may prohibit firearms by posting a sign in a specified location.
-  It is an “affirmative defense” if the person violating the law “was not informed of the notice,” the sign had “fallen down,” the person is not a resident of Arizona, or the posted sign has not been up for 30 days.
- However, lack of knowledge (by Arizona residents only) that firearms are prohibited in establishments serving alcohol is no longer a valid defense.

SB 1168 is the Senate bill containing the “strike everything” amendment substituting the language of HB 2474. It passed the Senate Final Read by a vote of 18-9 with 3 not voting.  SB 1168 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.  HB 2474, the original “Parking Lot” bill, passed in the House and made it through Senate committees but was dropped when SB 1168 made it through the process first.

SB 1243 passed the House Third Read by a vote of 42-12-6 on June 29.  Since the language in SB 1243 remained unchanged, it was sent back to the Senate where it was formally sent to the Governor this morning.  SB 1243 is the AzCDL-requested bill that codifies the defensive display of a firearm.

Another very important bill that passed this session is SB 1449 which applies, retroactively, statutory changes relating to justification defenses in all cases in which the defendant did not plead guilty or no contest that were submitted to the fact finder as of April 24, 2006.  In plain language this means that the restoration of the “innocent until proven guilty” language that passed out of the Legislature via SB 1145 in 2006 retroactively applies to cases pending at the time of passage.  The most infamous of these was the trial of Harold Fish, who defended himself while hiking and was prosecuted under the 1997 “guilty until proven innocent” law.  Even though SB 1145 became law in the middle of Mr. Fish’s trial, he was convicted under the older law.

This has been a very bizarre legislative session.  With the focus almost entirely on the budget, very little time was spent on non-budget bills, and there was a mad rush to end the session and filter out as many bills as possible.  Without the constant pressure YOU provided via your emails, letter and phone calls, AzCDL’s representatives (who went home this morning after staying all night lobbying and counting votes at the Capitol) would not have been able to keep pro-rights bill in the pipeline.  Pat yourselves on the back – Job Well Done!

Unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods yet.  The Legislature may have adjourned but the Governor now has a stack of bills on her desk to sign, ignore or veto.  Her priority is the budget.  The Legislature deliberately waited until Sine Die to send the budget to the Governor.  If she vetoes the budget, state bureaucracies grind to a halt.  A “do over” budget will require the Governor to call a Special legislative session, with more delays.  It boils down to gamesmanship and who blinks first.  All the non-budget bills might become pawns in the power struggle. 

Meanwhile, the next step is to start asking the Governor to sign these bills.  Her email address is azgov@az.gov.  You can also fax a letter to her at 602-542-1381.  Or you can mail it to her at the following address:

The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

You can call her office, toll free, at 1-800-253-0883 or 602-542-4331.

You can also go to the Governor’s website, where you will find a fill-in-the-blanks form to register your opinion.  For "subject", scroll down and select "Legislation."  For "topic", fill in the number of the bill you are making a comment on (e.g., SB 1243).  In the message/comment area, leave a polite message asking her to sign the bill you are referring to.  We recommend a separate message for each bill.

June 29, 2009

“Parking Lot” bill clears Legislature.

Today SB 1168, the Senate bill containing the “strike everything” amendment substituting the language of HB 2474, cleared the last hurdle in the Legislature by passing the Senate Final Read by a vote of 18-9 with 3 not voting.  From here, SB 1168 will be transmitted to the Governor, probably within the next couple of days.  SB 1168 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.  Since SB 1168 has passed the Legislature, HB 2474 is effectively dead.  It passed in the House and made it through Senate committees but has not been scheduled for a Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) debate and vote.

Also today, SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display) passed out of the House COW.  Both need to pass a House Third Read vote (possible tonight).  Since the language in SB 1243 has remained unchanged, after it passes the House Third Read it will be transmitted to the Senate where it will be sent to the Governor.  Unfortunately, since SB 1113 was amended in the House, it will need concurrence votes and then a Final Read vote in the Senate.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill that now includes Petty Offense and Defensive Display language, is on the agenda for tonight’s Senate Third Read.  It is unlikely that the Senate will finish their Third Read agenda tonight.  Once HB 2439 passes out of the Senate Third Read it goes back to the house for concurrence and Final Read votes before being transmitted to the Governor.

June 26, 2009

Petty Offense heading for Senate floor vote.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill that now includes “Petty Offense” language for carrying concealed without a permit, passed out of the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) this evening.  As a bonus, the Senate voted to add the language of SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested Defensive Display bill, via an amendment offered by Senator Russell Pearce.

In other news, SB 1168, a strike-everything “clone” of the HB 2474 “Parking Lot” bill passed out of the House COW and is headed for House Third Read.  Meanwhile, HB 2474 is expected to be debated in the Senate COW on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

June 25, 2009

Time is running out!

AzCDL is being told that the Legislature is going to pack up and go home at the end of this fiscal year – June 30, 2009.  That’s less than a week from now!  Subtract the weekend and that’s just a few workdays to wrap up about 1,000 bills.  It’s not doable.  Legislators are getting weary.

In the Senate, SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 8, 2009.  Unfortunately, the bill is being held in the Senate Rules committee due to a problem with the language concerning taking firearms across the border, and, due to the time constraints mentioned previously, it’s effectively dead for the year.
 
HB 2474, the “Parking Lot” bill, was reassigned to the Senate Retirement and Rural Development (RRD) Committee, and was heard on Thursday, June 25 where it passed by a 4 to 2 vote. In committee, Senator Rebecca Rios, a Democrat voted for HB 2474 while Senator John Huppenthal, a Republican, voted against HB 2474.  It was also heard as a strike-everything amendment to SB 1168 in the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, June 24, where it passed, 7-4-0. From here, both versions must proceed through Rules, Caucus, COW, and Third Read in their respective chambers before going back to the other chamber for a Final Read, then up to the Governor, a difficult road.

Over in the House, SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display) passed out of the House Judiciary Committee today.  Both bills must be reviewed in the House Rules Committee before proceeding.  It will be difficult for SB 1113 and SB 1243 to make it through the process before June 30, 2009.

The one bill that has the shortest path to take is HB 2439, which has been amended to include the “Petty Offense” (for carrying concealed without a permit) language that passed both chambers in the last two years.  It has already been heard in the House.  This afternoon it passed out of the Senate Rules Committee, the last step before proceeding to Caucus and COW debate.  From there, it’s on to the Third Read floor vote before being sent back to the House for a concurrence vote (because of the Senate amendments), then on to the Governor.  For the moment, our primary focus is the passage of HB 2439.

June 25, 2009

Defensive Display and Restaurant Carry pass in House committee.

This morning (6/25/09) the House Judiciary Committee passed both SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display) out of committee.

SB 1113, the Restaurant Carry bill, passed by a vote of 6 to 2.  It was amended in committee.  The following summarizes key provisions in the current version of the bill:

• “Open carry” is not allowed.  The firearm must be concealed.
• Only individuals with CCW permits may carry a concealed firearm where alcohol is served.
• The individual legally carrying the firearm may not consume alcohol.
• The requirement that the establishment serve food has been removed.
• The penalty for violating the law is a class 3 misdemeanor.
• Establishments may prohibit firearms by posting a sign in a specified location.
• It is an “affirmative defense” if the person violating the law “was not informed of the notice,” the sign had “fallen down,” the person is not a resident of Arizona, or the posted sign has not been up for 30 days.
• However, lack of knowledge that firearms are prohibited in establishments serving alcohol is no longer a valid defense.

SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified, passed by a vote of 5 to 3.
 
The next step for both bills is the House Rules Committee before being debated in the House Committee of the Whole (COW).  Meanwhile the clock is ticking.

June 23, 2009

Defensive Display and Restaurant Carry to be heard in committee.

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the House Judiciary Committee will hear SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).

SB 1113 is a bill that permits the carrying of concealed weapons in certain restaurants where alcohol is served by CCW permit holders only, providing signs are not posted forbidding firearms and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.
 
SB 1243 is the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified.  Defensive display includes:
- verbally informing another person that the person possesses or has available a firearm
- exposing or displaying a firearm in a manner that a reasonable person would understand was meant to protect the person against another’s use or attempted use of unlawful or deadly physical force
- placing the person’s hand on a firearm while the firearm is contained in a pocket, purse or other means of containment or transport.

June 22, 2009

Amended CCW Training bill passes in Senate Committee.

Today, at about 4:30 PM, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed HB 2439 out of committee by a 3-1 vote with 3 members not voting.  The three members not voting were the committee’s Democrats who did not attend the hearing.  The dissenting vote came from Republican John Huppenthal.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course for first time permit applicants, dealing only in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of pistol related courses at the college level, or from private organizations like Front Sight, Gunsite, etc.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

An amendment was added in the committee to include the language from last year’s “Petty Offense” bill which passed in both chambers of the Legislature in 2008.  Petty Offense is a step towards Constitutional Carry.  It reduces the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit from the current misdemeanor to a petty offense unless the person is committing or attempting to commit a serious or violent crime.  The amendment includes the language from SB 1270 exempting CCW permit holders from certain “public establishment or event” restrictions.  It also would prevent the destruction of weapons seized by law enforcement.

Since HB 2439 has already been through House hearings and votes, if the full Senate votes on its passage, it will not be subject to any additional committee hearings in the House before receiving a “Final” House vote and being sent to the Governor.

We now have two similar bills working to further restore our right to keep and bear arms in Arizona.  SB 1270 fully decriminalizes the lawful carrying of concealed weapons and is facing tough opposition in both chambers and the Governor’s office.  SB 1270 will also have to survive more committee hearings and floor votes to get to the governor’s desk.  Meanwhile, HB 2439, with less controversial language but still a major improvement over the current system, has a shorter path to travel to the Governor’s desk.

On the Senate Judiciary Committee’s agenda, but not heard today, was HB 2474 which stipulates that property owners, tenants, public or private employers, and business entities must not prohibit the transport or storage of legally owned firearms in locked and privately owned motor vehicles parked within parking lots, parking garages, and other designated parking areas.  It exempts property owners, tenants, public or private employers, business entities, and their employees or agents from civil liability for damages resulting from or arising out of an act involving a legally owned firearm that is transported or stored within a locked and privately owned vehicle.  It allows employers and business entities to prescribe policies mandating that owners keep firearms out of the plain view of the public when stored or transported in locked and privately owned vehicles. And, it specifies inapplicability stemming from state and federal prohibition, and motor vehicle ownership.  HB 2474 is being transferred from Senate Commerce Economic and Development (CED) Committee where it is currently assigned.

June 20, 2009

Independence Day Rifle Match – Still time to sign-up!

There is still time to sign-up for the fourth annual AzCDL Independence Day Action Rifle Match on July 4th, hosted by the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club .  Celebrate Independence Day in a way that would make our Forefathers proud! 

The match is limited to 60 shooters but there is still time to make a reservation if you act now.

Entry fee is $40 and includes a free AzCDL Basic Annual membership.  If you are already an AzCDL member, you membership will be renewed.  All proceeds (minus range and target expenses) will be donated to AzCDL. 

Spend the day like a true patriot exercising your rights, supporting a good cause, and having FUN!

Match rules and applications can be found on our Rifle Match page.

June 19, 2009

Constitutional Carry passes in Senate committee!

Today (6/19/09) at about 4:30 PM, SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill that removes the penalty for the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The vote was 4 to 3 and fell along party lines.  Ironically, some of those speaking in opposition to SB 1270, while praising the existing CCW permit system, were the same people who opposed the introduction of the CCW permit back in 1994 with similar “blood will run in the streets” hyperbole.  Law enforcement administrators opposing SB 1270 also spoke of the benefit of Arizona’s CCW law as a tool for making arrests.  From here, SB 1270 must go through the Rules Committee before being debated in the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW).  With the accelerated schedule in the Senate, that could be as early as next week.  Be ready!

HB 2474, which prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions, was taken off today’s Senate Judiciary Committee agenda.  HB 2474 is now on the Monday, June 22, 2009 agenda.  The delay is due to HB 2474 being reassigned from the Commerce & Economic Development (CED) Committee to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Also on Monday’s Senate Judiciary agenda is HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill that provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course for first time permit applicants with prior firearms training.

SB 1113, the Restaurant Carry bill, was transmitted to the House on June 17, 2009 after passing in the Senate.  That same day it was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

June 18, 2009

Attorney General and Police Chiefs denounce Constitutional Carry.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, flanked by 10 local police chiefs, held a press conference this morning attacking SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill that will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow (6/19/09).

June 18, 2009

Pro-Rights bills to be heard in committee.

The Senate continues to “speed-review” legislation.  Three pro-rights bills are scheduled for hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  In a special session on Friday (6/19/09), SB 1270 and HB 2474 will be heard.  On Monday (6/22/09) HB 2439 will be heard.

SB 1270 is the AzCDL-requested “Constitutional Carry” bill that removes the penalty for the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit.

HB 2439 is the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill that provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course for first time permit applicants with prior firearms training.  HB 2439 passed out of the House on May 6, 2009.

HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc., from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific limited exceptions.  HB 2474 passed out of the House on May 13, 2009. 

In other news, SB 1113, a Restaurant Carry bill, was transmitted to the House on June 17, 2009 after passing in the Senate.  That same day it was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

June 16, 2009

AzCDL “Tweets”

In addition to our email Alerts, AzCDL has established a Twitter account for broadcasting very brief (140 character) Twitter updates or “tweets.”  Our account name is “AzCDL Alerts,” for those who wish to follow our updates.

June 16, 2009

Restaurant Carry passes on “Reconsideration” vote in Senate.

Yesterday (June 15, 2009), SB 1113, a Restaurant Carry bill, was voted on during Senate Third Read.  Senator Jack Harper, the prime sponsor of SB 1113, recognized that SB 1113 did not have the required 16 votes to pass and switched his vote to “Nay”, creating a 14-14 tie vote.  This enabled him to then ask for a “Reconsideration” vote.  This afternoon (June 16, 2009), the Senate again voted on SB 1113, and this time it passed by an 18-10 vote with 2 Senators not voting.  In addition to Senator Harper being able to vote for his bill this time, Senator John Nelson, who was absent yesterday, was present to vote for SB 1113.  Senators Amanda Aguirre (D-24) and Manny Alvarez (D-25) were successfully persuaded to change their votes to support SB 1113.   .

In other news, we have learned that the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to hold a special hearing this Friday, June 19, 2009.  On the agenda should be SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill that removes the penalty for the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit.

June 15, 2009

Defensive Display and Restaurant Carry voted on in Senate Third Read.

The Senate continues with its accelerated schedule and voted on SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display) in today’s (June 15, 2009) Third Read after passing them out of the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) just last Friday (June 12, 2009).

Unfortunately, SB 1113, which limited the carrying of concealed weapons in certain restaurants serving alcohol to CCW permit holders, providing signs are not posted forbidding firearms and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol, failed by a tie vote of 14-14 with two Senators not voting.  One of the Senators not voting was Republican Senator John Nelson, a supporter of SB 1113, who was unable to be at this session due to a family emergency.  Unfortunately, a number of Senators who indicated to AzCDL that they supported SB 1113 voted against it on the Senate Floor.  However, there is still hope for SB 1113.  Senator Harper, the sponsor of SB 1113, seeing how the vote was going, switched his vote to “Nay” to create the tie vote.  This will enable Senator Harper to ask for a reconsideration vote so that SB 1113 can be voted on again in an upcoming Third Read, probably tomorrow, June 16, 2009.

SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified, sailed through today’s Senate Third Read by a vote of 21-7 with 2 not voting.  From here, SB 1243 will be transmitted to the House where the process starts all over again.

June 12, 2009

Constitutional Carry, Defensive Display and Restaurant Carry make progress!

On June 12, 2009, the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) held a rare Friday session.  Both SB 1113 (Restaurant Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display) were debated on, and passed out of, the COW.  Next step for both bills is a Third Read vote by the full Senate (expected on Monday, June 15.)
 
SB 1113 is a bill that permits the carrying of concealed weapons in certain restaurants where alcohol is served by CCW permit holders only, providing signs are not posted forbidding firearms and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.  A beneficial amendment was added during the COW that clarified the signage and posting requirements.
 
SB 1243 is the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified.

We have even more good news!  Your recent emails had a positive effect.  Senator Jonathan Paton, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with AzCDL’s representatives today (June 12, 2009) and agreed to schedule SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill, for a committee hearing on Monday, June 22, 2009. 

June 11, 2009

Defensive Display and Restaurant Carry scheduled for debate!

We are getting word that the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) will hold a rare Friday session on June 12, 2009.  We are expecting SB 1113 and SB 1243 to be calendared for debate and voting in this upcoming COW.

SB 1113 is a bill that limits the carrying of concealed weapons in certain restaurants where alcohol is served to CCW permit holders, if signs are not posted forbidding firearms and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.
 
SB 1243 is the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified.
 

June 11, 2009

Constitutional Carry needs your help!

SB 1270 is the AzCDL-requested “Constitutional Carry” bill that removes the penalty for the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit.  After languishing for almost six months, SB 1270 was finally assigned on June 8, 2009, to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  However, it has not been put on any upcoming committee agendas.  Time is running out.  After almost six months of not hearing any non-budget bills, the Senate is attempting to sprint through about 1,000 bills, jettisoning as many as they can via abbreviated committee hearing schedules.  Despite repeated requests, we have been unable to get a commitment from the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman to hear SB 1270.  It’s time to ask you, AzCDL’s membership and supporters, to express YOUR desire to have SB 1270 get a fair hearing.

SB 1270 is a huge step towards restoring our Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA) in Arizona, that was severely limited by the infamous 1990 Dano v. Collins Appellate Court decision.  In Dano v. Collins, the court determined that the “shall not be impaired” clause in Arizona’s Constitutional equivalent of the Second Amendment (Article 2, Section 26) did not apply to concealed weapons.  This led to the creation of the 1994 concealed carry (CCW) permit law.  Dano v. Collins was also the foundation for the confusing 1994 court decisions restricting open carry and where weapons can be carried in vehicles without a CCW permit.  It’s time to restore the meaning of Article 2, Section 26 of the Arizona Constitution that says “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired….” with the passage of SB 1270.

 It’s time to let the committee leadership know there is a large amount of support for SB 1270 and that they should immediately schedule it for a hearing. .

June 8, 2009

Restaurant Carry and Defensive Display pass in Senate committee.

On Monday, June 08, 2009, SB 1113 and SB 1243 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 1113 is a Restaurant Carry bill that permits firearms in certain restaurants if signs are not posted forbidding firearms, and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.  SB 1113 was amended to apply only to concealed weapon (CCW) permit holders who are carrying concealed firearms.  The amended version was approved by a 4-3 vote. 

SB 1243, the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified, passed with a 5-2 vote.

Both bills now must be heard by the Senate Rules Committee before moving on the debate and vote in the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW).

June 5, 2009

Legislation moving in Senate!

This week, the Senate and House, in sessions lasting long into the night, completed work on the 2010 budget.  Without delay, the Senate began assigning bills to committees and scheduling hearings.  Two pro-rights bills, SB 1243 and SB 1113, are scheduled for hearings this coming Monday, June 8, 2009, at 1: 30 PM, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 1243 is the AzCDL-requested bill that clarifies when a defensive display is justified. 

SB 1113 is a Restaurant Carry bill that permits firearms in certain restaurants if signs are not posted forbidding firearms, and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.

Other pro-rights bills waiting for floor votes and committee assignments are:

SB 1270, the AzCDL-requested “Constitutional Carry” bill that removes the penalty for the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit.

SB 1449, Senator Linda Gray’s bill that makes the 2006 Castle Doctrine/Burden of Proof changes retroactively applicable to all cases pending at the time of passage that the defendant had not pled guilty to.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested bill that provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course for first time permit applicants with prior firearms training.

HB 2474, which prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.

Please take the time to contact your Senators and politely urge them to support SB 1113, SB 1243, SB 1270, SB 1449, HB 2439 and HB 2474.

May 29, 2009

Legislative update.

It’s been another frustrating week with no movement of pro-rights bills in the Arizona Legislature.  For the most recent summary please look at our May newsletter.

On the Federal front, President 0bama recently signed credit “reform” legislation that contained an amendment restoring the right to possess firearms in National Parks.  Implementation of this new law will be delayed for nine months, because it’s tied to the delay built into the underlying bill that allows time for credit card companies to adopt their new rules.
 
If you are in Tucson this weekend (May 30 &31, 2009), don’t forget to stop by the AzCDL table at the gun show at the Pima County Fairgrounds.  During gun shows, all new memberships and renewals are $10 off.  It’s like getting into the gun show for free!

AzCDL’s next Phoenix area gun show will be at the Mesa Centennial Hall on June 27 & 28, 2009.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Mesa show, please contact John.

May 26, 2009

AzCDL’s May 2009 Newsletter available online.

The AzCDL Newsletter for May 2009 is available for viewing and downloading on our Newsletter page.

Topics in the May 2009 Newsletter include:
- An update on important pro-rights Arizona legislation.
- A look at pending Federal legislation.
- The annual Independence Day Rifle Match
- AzCDL’s Annual Meeting (in Tucson this year).
- AzCDL’s gun show schedule.
 

May 22, 2009

Legislative update.

Last week, the Legislature wrapped up “fixing” the fiscal year 2009 budget.  On May 21, 2009, the Senate Appropriations committee passed the 10 bills comprising the 2010 budget.  There are a number of steps still required before the 2010 budget gets to the Governor’s desk.  Meanwhile, non-budget bills are languishing.

A few pro-rights bills have progressed in the House.
 
HB 2439 passed out of the House Third Read and was transmitted to the Senate on May 6, 2009.  HB 2439 is the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill.

HB 2474 passed out of the House Third Read and was transmitted to the Senate on May 13, 2009.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions. 

HB 2177, which allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge, passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on May 6, 2009.  From here, it waits to be calendared for the House Third Read (final vote before being transmitted to the Senate).

In the Senate, non-budget bills have still not been assigned to committees while the Senate continues working on the 2010 budget.  Stuck in this legislative limbo are several AzCDL-requested bills, including SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display), along with HB 2439 and HB 2474 which recently passed out of the House.   When the 2010 budget passes, the Senate is facing a tsunami of non-budget bills conflicting with their urge to end the session and go home.  AzCDL’s full-time volunteer lobbyists have been meeting with key legislators on strategies to prevent critical pro-rights bills from being axed to accommodate streamlined schedules.

May 19, 2009

Independence Day Rifle Match – Shooters Wanted!

On July 4th, 2009, the fourth annual AzCDL Independence Day Action Rifle Match will be hosted by the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club.  Celebrate Independence Day in a way that would make our Forefathers proud! 

Be sure to get your application in early.  The match is limited to 60 shooters.  There is still time to make a reservation if you act now.

Entry fee is $40 and includes a free AzCDL Basic Annual membership.  If you are already an AzCDL member, you membership will be renewed.  All proceeds (minus range and target expenses) will be donated to AzCDL. 

Spend the day like a true patriot exercising your rights, supporting a good cause, and having FUN!

Match rules and applications can be found here.

There will be 4 stages this year.  At least half the match will be long range oriented (100-400 yards).

Sign in will start at 6:30 AM.
Shooter’s meeting will be held at 7:00 AM.
Range goes “hot” by 7:30 AM.
All shooting is finished by 1:00 PM

Awards will be handed out and a Prize Raffle conducted following range clean up and tear down.

All questions should be directed to Russell Phagan (  )

Want to see how much fun this will be?  Check out the pictures from last year’s match.

May 12, 2009

Parking Lot bill scheduled for 5/13/09 vote.

HB 2474 is scheduled for a “Third Read” vote by the full House on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.  For those of you receiving NRA-ILA alerts, the date of the vote has been moved from May 12 to May 13.

HB 2474 stipulates that property owners, tenants, public or private employers, and business entities must not prohibit the transport or storage of legally owned firearms in locked and privately owned motor vehicles parked within parking lots, parking garages, and other designated parking areas.  It exempts property owners, tenants, public or private employers, business entities, and their employees or agents from civil liability for damages resulting from or arising out of an act involving a legally owned firearm that is transported or stored within a locked and privately owned vehicle.  It allows employers and business entities to prescribe policies mandating that owners keep firearms out of the plain view of the public when stored or transported in locked and privately owned vehicles. And, it specifies inapplicability stemming from state and federal prohibition, and motor vehicle ownership.

AzCDL mentioned in Arizona Capitol Times!

YOUR emails ARE effective!  AzCDL’s concern about legislators leaving early was echoed in a May 11, 2009 Associated Press (AP) article written for the Arizona Capitol Times.  Unfortunately, copyright laws prevent us from posting the entire article, but the AP article raised the same concerns we have about the session ending before non-budget bills were heard.  The article ended with:  “The Arizona Citizens Defense League, a gun-rights group lobbying for passage of several bills, recently urged its supporters to implore lawmakers to stick around even after the budget is passed.”  It looks like even the “Mainstream” media can’t ignore AzCDL – thanks to YOU!

May 8, 2009

Finally!  Pro-rights bill move in the House.

HB 2177, which allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge, passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on May 6, 2009.  From here, it will be calendared for the House Third Read (final vote before being transmitted to the Senate).

HB 2439, which passed out of the House COW back on March 26, 2009, passed out of the House Third Read and was transmitted to the Senate on May 6, 2009.  Thanks to your emails, HB 2439 passed with a favorable 40 to 20 vote.  HB 2439 is the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill.

HB 2474 was debated and voted on in the House COW on May 7, 2009.  We are expecting to see it calendared for the House Third Read next week.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions. 

In the Senate, non-budget bills have still not been assigned to committees while they continue working on the 2010 budget.  Stuck in this legislative limbo are several AzCDL-requested bills, including SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry), SB 1243 (Defensive Display), and HB 2439 (CCW Training Reform).

Next weekend is the NRA’s 138th Annual Meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center.  All AzCDL directors and officers will be there, along with many of your State legislators.  We hope to see you there!  Be sure to proudly wear your AzCDL t-shirt!

May 5, 2009

House bills are moving and need your support!

Pro-rights bills are scheduled for debate and vote in the House in on May 7 & 8, 2009.  HB 2439 is scheduled for “Third Read” vote by the full House on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 and HB 2474 is scheduled to be debated in the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course for first time permit applicants, dealing only in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of pistol related courses at the college level, or from private organizations like Front Sight, Gunsite, etc.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

The training alternatives included in HB 2439 meet or exceed the current requirements for obtaining a CCW permit.  We urge everyone to contact your Representatives and politely ask them to support HB 2439 when they vote during House Third Read on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

HB 2474 stipulates that property owners, tenants, public or private employers, and business entities must not prohibit the transport or storage of legally owned firearms in locked and privately owned motor vehicles parked within parking lots, parking garages, and other designated parking areas.  It exempts property owners, tenants, public or private employers, business entities, and their employees or agents from civil liability for damages resulting from or arising out of an act involving a legally owned firearm that is transported or stored within a locked and privately owned vehicle.  It allows employers and business entities to prescribe policies mandating that owners keep firearms out of the plain view of the public when stored or transported in locked and privately owned vehicles. And, it specifies inapplicability stemming from state and federal prohibition, and motor vehicle ownership.

We urge everyone to contact your Representatives and politely ask them to support HB 2474 with no floor amendments, except those proposed by the sponsor, when it is debated in the COW on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

In other news, your e-mails demanding that the legislators stick around after the budget is resolved have had a positive effect.  While we’ve seen some bobbing, weaving and obfuscating judging from some of the responses you have shared with us, Representatives Frank Antenori, Judy Burges, Steve Yarbrough and Senators Russell Pearce and Jack Harper have told us that they intend to stay after the budget is resolved and be present for any floor votes that come up.

All it takes is a few legislators to leave and the session is effectively over.  In Arizona, a bill must pass out of the House and Senate by a majority of elected legislators, not simply by a majority of those who show up to vote.  A bill needs 16 votes in the Senate and 31 votes in the House to pass.  If only a handful of legislators decide to leave and not vote, and the 16 or 31 vote majority is not obtained, important legislation will not pass.

May 1, 2009

Legislators looking to go home soon?

First, some good news.  HCM 2009, a House Memorial that encourages the U.S. Congress to oppose the passage of Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, or any similar legislation, that would impinge on the individual right of every American to keep and bear arms, passed out of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee on Wednesday, April 29, 2009.  The vote was 5-0 with 3 members absent.

Meanwhile, non-budget legislation in the Arizona Senate remains at a standstill while the legislature continues to hammer out the 2010 budget.  And now, we are hearing that  after they are through with the budget, many legislators are planning to pack up and go home, basically shutting down the legislature for the year.  That will effectively kill all remaining non-budget bills. 

We believe that it’s time to let every legislator know that the voters of Arizona want them to finish the job that we are paying them to do, and to dismiss any ideas of ending the session after they fix the budget mess that they helped create.

We urge everyone to contact your legislator, and politely tell them that you expect them to remain in session until all pending legislation that they have been neglecting during the “budget crisis” is properly processed.

April 28, 2009

Hearing on bill opposing Federal firearms legislation – 4/29/09.

HCM 2009 is scheduled to be heard in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee at 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

In January 2009, U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced House Resolution 45 (Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009) in the U.S. Congress.  This Act prohibits a person from possessing a firearm unless that person has been issued a firearm license.  In order to be issued a firearm license, a person must submit to the U.S. Attorney General specified information, including a current photograph and thumb print of the applicant, along with a certificate attesting to the completion of a written firearms examination.  Licenses are good for five years and may be renewed. 

HCM 2009 is a House Memorial that encourages the U.S. Congress to oppose the passage of Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, or any similar legislation, that would impinge on the individual right of every American to keep and bear arms.  It also requires the Arizona Secretary of State to transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and each member of Congress from Arizona.

HCM 2009 was introduced by Representative Judy Burges and has 57 co-sponsors.

We urge everyone to contact the members of the House MAPS committee and politely urge them to support HCM 2009 when it is heard in their committee on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. 

April 24, 2009

Legislative Update.

Non-budget legislation in Arizona remains at a standstill while the Legislature continues to hammer out the 2010 budget.

Waiting for a House Third Read vote before being transmitted to the Senate is HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill.

Waiting to be placed on the House Committee of the Whole (COW) calendar are HB 2474 and HB 2177. 

HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions. 

HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge. 

In the Senate, non-budget bills have still not been assigned to committees while they continue working on the 2010 budget.  Stuck in this legislative limbo are several AzCDL-requested bills, including SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).

On a positive note, there was a pro-rights ruling this week from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit covering Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.  The case was Nordyke v. King.  You can find the ruling on AzCDL’s “Educational” page.

In Nordyke, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the 2nd Amendment is “incorporated” through the 14th Amendment.  This means that the Second Amendment is a right protected at the state and local levels for residents in the states under the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit. 

Here in Arizona, the impact of Nordyke will be minor since the Arizona Constitution protects your right to keep and bear arms in Article 2, Section 26. 

However in California, the impact could be significant.  California has no protection for the right to keep and bear arms in their constitution.  This new ruling means that Second Amendment rights are protected in California.  It might help to eventually invalidate some of their gun laws and provide footing for becoming a "shall issue" state.

The case that triggered the ruling was brought on behalf of a gun show promoter (Nordyke) that wanted to use county property to hold a gun show.  Despite the “incorporation” ruling, the rest of the ruling went against Nordyke.  The Ninth Circuit ruled that since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in D.C. v. Heller that guns can be banned from "sensitive" government buildings, the county was within its powers to ban the gun show.

April 17, 2009

Legislative update.

It’s been another week of inaction at the Legislature.  Non-budget legislation has been at a virtual standstill.

However HCR 2024, a resolution stipulating that the state of Arizona claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, managed to pass out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on April 14, 2009.  The next step for HCR 2024 is the House Third Read before being transmitted to the Senate.

HB 2439 passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) back on March 26, 2009 and is also waiting to be scheduled for a formal vote in the House Third Read.  HB 2439 is the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill.

HB 2474 is waiting to be placed on the House COW calendar.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions. 

HB 2177, a “strike-all” bill that now contains pro-rights language, is also still waiting to be placed on the House COW calendar.  HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge. 

In the Senate, non-budget bills have still not been assigned to committees while they continue working on the 2010 budget.  Stuck in this legislative limbo are several AzCDL-requested bills, including SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).

April 13, 2009

Sovereignty Bill debate and vote on 4/14/09.

HCR 2024 is scheduled to be debated in the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

HCR 2024 stipulates that the state of Arizona claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution.  It states that this resolution serves as both a notice and a demand to the federal government to immediately cease and desist mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.  It demands that all compulsory federal legislation that directs states to comply, under threat of civil or criminal penalties, or sanctions or requires states to pass legislation or otherwise lose federal funding, be prohibited or repealed.

HCR 2024 requires the Arizona Secretary of State to transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate of each state’s legislature, and each member of the Arizona Congressional Delegation.

We urge everyone to contact your Representatives and politely ask them to support HCR 2024 when it is debated in the COW on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

April 10, 2009

Legislative update.

There has been little movement of non-budget legislation this session.  You can read more in the Arizona Republic’s article .

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on March 26, 2009.  It is waiting to be scheduled for a formal vote in the House Third Read.
 
HB 2474 passed out of the House Judiciary committee on March 5th.  On March 30th it was passed out of the House Rules committee.  From here it will be put on the House COW calendar.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.  Lobbyists representing large corporations are pushing for amendments to weaken HB 2474.  Please continue to contact your Representatives and politely ask them to support HB 2474 without any amendments.

HB 2177, a “strike-all” bill that now contains pro-rights language, passed out of the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs (NRRA) committee on February 16th.  On March 30th it passed out of the House Rules committee.  Next step is the House COW.  HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge. 

In the Senate non-budget bills are not being assigned to committees until the budget is resolved.  AzCDL-requested bills that were filed in the Senate and are awaiting committee assignments and hearings include SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).  AzCDL is working to ensure that SB 1270 and SB 1243 do not become casualties of scheduling inconvenience.  We are closely monitoring the situation in the Senate, and we’re ready to exploit any opportunity that may arise.

April 3, 2009

Legislative update.

Non-budget legislation is moving in the House but is at a virtual stand-still in the Senate. 

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on March 26, 2009.  Your emails helped move it along!  The next step is a formal vote in the House Third Read.  Assuming it passes Third Read it will be transmitted to the Senate.
 
HB 2474 passed out of the House Judiciary committee on March 5th.  On March 30th it was passed out of the House Rules committee.  From here it will be put on the House COW calendar.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.  Lobbyists representing large corporations are pushing for amendments to weaken HB 2474.  Please contact your Representatives and politely ask them to support HB 2474 without any amendments.

HB 2177, a “strike-all” bill that now contains pro-rights language, passed out of the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs (NRRA) committee on February 16th.  On March 30th it passed out of the House Rules committee.  Next step is the House COW.  HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge.  Progress on HB 2177 is being delayed until a determination is made on the impact of the recent Washington, D.C. Federal District Court injunction against the Department of Interior’s ruling allowing concealed weapon permit holders to carry their firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges.

In the Senate it is estimated that work on the budget will continue for the next few weeks.  Meanwhile, non-budget bills are not being assigned to committees.  AzCDL-requested bills that were filed in the Senate and are awaiting committee assignments and hearings include SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).  Even with an extended deadline for hearing bills in the Senate, all bills must still be passed out of their respective committees by April 10th in order to be heard in the House.  Hopefully that deadline will be extended as well.  AzCDL is working to ensure that SB 1270 and SB 1243 do not become casualties of scheduling inconvenience.  We are closely monitoring the situation in the Senate, and we’re ready to exploit any opportunity that may arise.

March 25, 2009

CCW Training Bill Floor Action 3/26/09.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, is scheduled to be debated in the House Committee of the Whole on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

HB 2439 provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course, dealing only in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of pistol related courses at the college level, or at places like Front Sight, Gunsite, etc.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

March 20, 2009

Legislative update.

Legislation is still poking along.  A couple of weeks ago, the House Leadership directed House committees not to hear any further House bills, with limited exceptions, for the remainder of this session.  The following pro-rights bills have been heard in House committees, and are still viable.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, passed out of the House MAPS committee on March 4th.  On March 16th it passed out of the House Rules committee.  HB 2439 provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course dealing in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training.

HB 2474 passed out of the House Judiciary committee on March 5th.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.

HB 2177, a “strike-all” bill that now contains pro-rights language, passed out of the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs (NRRA) committee on February 16th.  HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge.

From here, HB 2474 and HB 2177 need to be reviewed by the House Rules committee.  After the Rules committee, bills are debated by the full House in the “Committee of the Whole” (COW), where more amendments may be offered.  We will notify you when important legislation proceeds to the House COW.

The Senate has still not assigned any non-budget bills to committees, but the Senate Leadership has stated they will extend the March 13th deadline for assigning bills.  AzCDL-requested bills that were filed in the Senate and are awaiting committee assignments and hearings include SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).  Even with an extended deadline in the Senate, bills must still be passed out of their respective committees by April 10th in order to be heard in the House.  That means about 400 Senate bills are competing for a deadline less than 3 weeks away.  Most will probably never get a hearing.  AzCDL is working to ensure that SB 1270 and SB 1243 do not become casualties of scheduling inconvenience.  We are closely monitoring the situation in the Senate, and we’re ready to exploit any opportunity that may arise.

March 13, 2009

Legislative update.

Legislation is still crawling through the House and stalled in the Senate.

Last week, the House Leadership directed House committees not to hear any further House bills, with limited exceptions, for the remainder of this session.  One of the many casualties of this decision was HB 2607 (Campus Carry).  

Another casualty of House procedures is HB 2235, which set stricter requirements for Game and Fish Commission appointments.  HB 2235 was scheduled to be heard in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee on Wednesday, March 11th, but was pulled from the agenda, effectively killing it for this session.

However, the following pro-rights bills have been heard in House committees, and are still viable.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, passed out of the House MAPS committee on March 4th.  HB 2439 provides for an alternative 4 hour CCW course dealing in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training.

HB 2474 passed out of the House Judiciary committee on March 5th.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.

HB 2177, a “strike-all” bill that now contains pro-rights language, passed out of the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs (NRRA) committee on February 16th.  HB 2177 allows a person with a valid concealed weapons permit to possess, transport or carry a weapon within a game refuge.

From here, HB 2439, HB 2474 and HB 2177 need to be reviewed by the House Rules committee, and must then be debated by the full House in the “Committee of the Whole” (COW), where more amendments may be offered.  We will notify you when these bills proceed to the House COW.

The Senate has still not assigned any non-budget bills to committees, and the March 13th deadline for doing so has passed.   Senate Leadership has stated that the Senate may extend their deadline, but this has yet to happen.  AzCDL-requested bills that were filed in the Senate and are awaiting committee assignments and hearings include SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).  If the Senate does extend their deadline to hear bills in Senate committees, they must be passed out of their respective committees by April 10th in order to be heard in the House.  This doesn’t mean it’s time to quit.  AzCDL is closely monitoring the situation in the Senate, and we’re ready to exploit any opportunity that may arise.

March 10, 2009

Game & Fish bill scheduled for 3/11/09 hearing.

HB 2235 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.  The bill requires all appointees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to be an Arizona resident for at least ten of the preceding fifteen years, to be a continuously registered member of the same political party or an independent for at least five years, and to hold a valid hunting, fishing or hunting/fishing license for at least five of the preceding seven years. It also requires all applications for appointments to the Commission to be public records.

March 6, 2007

Pro-rights bills progress in House

This week, two pro-rights bills were voted out of their respective committees with a recommendation for passage by the full House.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, passed out of House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee on March 4th by a 6-0 vote with two members absent.  HB 2439 was amended in committee to increase the alternative “legal issues” training course from 3 to 4 hours.  The amendment will also require CCW instructors to verify the applicant’s proof of prior firearms training.
 
HB 2439 provides for an alternative CCW course, now 4 hours, dealing in legal issues, mental conditioning, and judgmental shooting decisions, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of public (e.g. college, etc.) or private (e.g., Front Sight, etc.) pistol related courses.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

HB 2474 passed out of the House Judiciary committee on March 5th by a 6-2 vote.  HB 2474 prevents any private or public employer, property owner, etc. from banning any person from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking area on the property, with specific, limited exceptions.

From here, HB 2439 and HB 2474 will be reviewed by the House Rules committee, and then will be debated by the full House in the “Committee of the Whole” (COW), where more amendments may be offered.  We will notify you when these bills proceed to COW.

Meanwhile, the House Leadership has directed the House committees not to hear any further House bills, with limited exceptions, for the remainder of this session.  One of the many casualties of this decision is HB 2607 (Campus Carry).

The Senate has still not assigned any non-budget bills to committees, and the March 13th deadline for doing so is now less than a week away.   Senate Leadership has stated that the Senate may extend their deadline, but this has yet to happen.  AzCDL-requested bills that were filed in the Senate and are awaiting committee assignments and hearings include SB 1270 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 1243 (Defensive Display).

February 27, 2009

CCW Training Reform Bill hearing rescheduled to 3/4/09.

The hearing on HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2009 in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee.  HB 2439 was originally on the MAPS committee’s agenda for February 25, 2009. 

HB 2439 provides for an alternative 3 hour CCW course, dealing only in legal issues, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of pistol related courses at the college level, or at places like Front Sight or Gunsite.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

In other news, the Senate has still not assigned any bills to committees and the March 13th deadline for doing so is less than 2 weeks away. 

February 23, 2009

CCW Training Reform Bill hearing on 2/25/09.

HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW training reform bill, has been scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee.

February 21, 2009

Campus Carry assigned to House Committees.

On February 17, 2009, HB 2607, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill, was assigned to the House Education and Judiciary committees.  HB 2607 removes the authority of a governing board to prohibit a person who possesses a CCW permit from carrying a concealed firearm on the property of a public educational institution (i.e., College or University) .

The deadline for all House bills to be heard is still March 13th, less than three weeks away.  It’s time to let the committee Chairmen know that there is a large amount of support for HB 2607, and that they should schedule it for a hearing soon.

The Chairman of the House Education committee is Representative Rich Crandall.
The Chairman of the House Judiciary committee is Representative Adam Driggs.
 
We urge all of you receiving this Alert to contact both committee chairmen, politely urging them to schedule HB 2607 for a hearing by their committee.

February 13, 2009

Time to make some noise!

While the Legislature has been focusing on the budget, almost no attention has been paid to non-budget bills, yet the deadline for a bill to be heard in committee is March 13^th.  There over 1,000 bills that need to pass out of a committee in the next 4 weeks to stay in play.  Virtually all firearms related bills are in this huge stack of bills waiting to be heard.

The good news is that the House finally assigned bills, including those which AzCDL is lobbying for, to committees.  HB 2439, the AzCDL-requested CCW alternative training bill, has been assigned to the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) committee.  HB 2474, which prevents guns from being banned in locked vehicles in parking areas, has been assigned to the House Judiciary committee.

The bad news is that in the Senate, non-budget bills have not been assigned to any committees.  It’s time to let the Senate leadership know that you expect them to assign Constitutional Carry (SB 1270) and Defensive Display (SB 1243), along with other pro-rights bills, to committees for hearings.

The Senate leadership consists of:
Senate President, Senator Robert “Bob” Burns
Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Gray
Majority Whip, Senator Pamela Gorman
President Pro Tempore, Senator Thayer Verschoor

We urge everyone to contact the Senate leadership, politely urging them to delay no further and start assigning pro-rights bills to committees for hearings immediately.

February 10, 2009

Campus Carry bill filed!

HB 2607, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill, was filed on Monday, February 9, 2009, the last day for bills to be filed this session.  HB 2607 removes the authority of a governing board to prohibit a person who possesses a CCW permit from carrying a concealed firearm on the property of an educational institution (i.e., College or University).

It was touch-and-go for awhile.  This legislation was drafted and sponsorship was obtained, but the bill was not filed by the Senate deadline.  To keep the bill alive, Dave Kopp and John Wentling, AzCDL's president and vice-president, successfully lobbied for Campus Carry to be filed in the House before the House deadline.

All AzCDL-requested bills for this session have now been filed (Constitutional Carry, Defensive Display, Campus Carry, and CCW Reform).  Plus there are a number of other pro-rights bills we are supporting.  Stay tuned.

February 6, 2006

Legislation Update – Glacial Speed

The legislative session got underway on January 12^th.  The deadline for filing Senate bills was Monday, February 2^nd.  The House deadline is this coming Monday, February 9^th.  The budget is the center of focus at the Capitol, significantly slowing down the movement of all non-budget related bills.  The Senate has yet to assign any non-budget bills to committees. In the House, some bills are moving, but none of AzCDL’s requested bills have yet been assigned to a committee. 

We were not successful in getting a Campus Carry bill filed in the Senate before the deadline.  AzCDL-requested legislation was drafted and sponsorship obtained, but the bill was not filed.  However there is still a possibility we can get a bill filed in the House before the deadline.  Meanwhile HB 2386, an anti-rights bill, was filed that would add “post secondary educational institution” (i.e., colleges and universities) to the statutory definition of “school” and create a new Class 6 Felony for carrying a deadly weapon there.  We strongly oppose HB 2386 and will vigorously work to defeat it this session.

While we’re waiting for the Legislature and Governor to successfully address the budget, we encourage all of you receiving our Alerts to amplify your “voice” by signing on to the Legislature’s Request to Speak (RTS) system.  Being an RTS user does NOT mean you must attend hearings and speak to committees (but if you’re so inclined and available, it would have a tremendous impact!). 

RTS is required to be used for those wishing to testify at a hearing, but can also be used by those who want to express their opinion on a bill with more “oomph” than an email or letter.  Committee chairpersons have access to opinions expressed via RTS.  They will know in advance who is for or against a particular bill.  RTS opinions are often read by the committee chairperson at a hearing, and may also appear in summaries of bills as they progress through the Legislature.  Imagine the impact if the thousands of you receiving AzCDL Alerts were using RTS to express YOUR position on a bill!

RTS users can state their position on legislation to the committee chairperson either via a kiosk at the Capitol or online.  As a registered user, you can log into RTS from the comfort of home.

However, the only way to become an RTS user is to sign-up using one of the many RTS kiosks at the Capitol.  We can help you become an RTS user!  If you are interested in becoming an RTS user, send a message to president@AzCDL.org, and we’ll help you set up an RTS account.

January 28, 2009

Defensive Display & CCW Reform Bills Filed

Two more AzCDL-requested bills have been filed.

SB 1243, clarifying when “Defensive Display” is justified, has 18 co-sponsors.  This bill is similar to an AzCDL-requested bill filed last year that passed in the Legislature but was vetoed by our former anti-rights Governor.  Defensive display includes:
- Verbally informing another person that you have a firearm available.
- Exposing or displaying a firearm in a manner that conveys you mean to protect yourself.
- Placing your hand on your firearm while it is holstered or in a pocket, purse or other means of containment.

HB 2439, with 22 co-sponsors, provides for an alternative 3 hour CCW course, dealing only in legal issues, for qualified individuals who can show proof of prior firearms training, such as:
- Completion of an NRA pistol course.
- Completion of pistol related courses at the college level, or at places like Front Sight or Gunsite.
- Completion of certain law enforcement training.
- Current military service or an honorable discharge.
- A competitive rating or ranking in an organized shooting competition.
- A CCW permit from another jurisdiction that required training or testing to obtain.

Even though the legislative session got underway on January 12^th, the budget has become the center of focus at the Capitol, significantly slowing the filing and movement of non-budget related bills.  We encourage you keep an eye on AzCDL’s Legislative page for updates on legislation we are watching.

January 27, 2009

Constitutional Carry bill filed!

SB 1270, an AzCDL-requested bill that removes the penalty for law-abiding citizens carrying concealed weapons without a permit, was filed late afternoon on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

Dave Kopp and John Wentling, AzCDL’s president and vice-president, and full-time volunteer lobbyists, worked hard lobbying for SB 1270 and encouraging legislators to sign on as cosponsors.  The following twenty-two (22) legislators are the cosponsors of SB 1270:

Senator Sylvia Allen, Senator Ron Gould, Senator Chuck Gray, Senator Linda Gray, Senator John Nelson, Senator Russell Pearce, Senator Thayer Verschoor, Representative Frank Antenori, Representative Cecil B. Ash, Representative Ray Barnes, Representative Andy Biggs, Representative Judy M. Burges, Representative Sam Crump, Representative David Gowan, Representative John Kavanagh, Representative Barbara McGuire, Representative Nancy McLain, Representative Steve B. Montenegro, Representative Rick Murphy, Representative Warde V. Nichols, Representative Doug Quelland, Representative Carl Seel.

If your Senator or Representative is one of the cosponsors, please take the time to send them an e-mail or call them and thank them for cosponsoring SB 1270.  It’s critical that they know you are aware of, and appreciate, their support of SB 1270.  You can find your legislators here.

If your Senator or Representative is NOT a cosponsor, please call them or send them an email asking them why they did not cosponsor SB 1270.  Politely mention that you expect them to support SB 1270 in the future.  You can find your legislators here.

January 16, 2009

Restaurant Carry bills filed.

The legislative session got underway on January 12^th and interesting bills are already starting to pop-up.  Warm up your keyboards and keep an eye on AzCDL’s Legislative page.

So far, two Restaurant Carry bills have been filed.  SB 1113 permits firearms in certain restaurants if signs are not posted forbidding firearms, and the person possessing the firearm does not consume alcohol.  HB 2171 allows firearms in establishments that derive more than 50% of gross revenue from the sale of food.  Both bills are a good start and we will attempt to work with the sponsors to improve them.

We are expecting some exciting pro-rights legislation to be filed.  AzCDL has been working with legislators on proposed changes for the past few months.  Among the bills we are anticipating are:

- Constitutional Carry (no CCW permit required for law-abiding citizens to carry concealed).
- Defensive Display (clarifies when a defensive display of a weapon is justified).
- Crediting alternative training (e.g., NRA classes) towards CCW permit training.
- Campus Carry (complying with Federal law that allows CCW permit holders to carry on college/university grounds).

The above issues, along with other bills we hope to see filed, will be attacked in earnest by the anti-rights crowd.  Successful passage of any pro-rights legislation depends on how hard YOU are willing to fight for it.  The stage has been set in our favor.  The Arizona legislature expanded a pro-rights majority after the 2008 elections.  Assuming Governor Napolitano passes muster for her new position in the Obama administration, we will have a new Governor, Jan Brewer, with a solid pro-rights reputation.  Are YOU ready to make a difference?