With the Chinese Coronavirus panic, there are social media rumors flying around about emergencies being declared in Arizona so that firearms can be confiscated.
Thanks to AzCDL’s legislative efforts that issue was addressed years ago. Neither the state nor any county, city, etc. can grab your guns by declaring an emergency. Back in 2007, AzCDL was instrumental in the passage of a Senate bill that added a new section to the statutes regarding emergency powers. ARS 26-303.J states that:
Pursuant to the second amendment of the United States Constitution and article II, section 26, Constitution of Arizona, and notwithstanding any other law, the emergency powers of the governor, the adjutant general or any other official or person shall not be construed to allow the imposition of additional restrictions on the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation, carrying, storage, display or use of firearms or ammunition or firearms or ammunition components.
Additionally, AzCDL has spent over a decade pushing for strong firearms preemption laws in Arizona. In a nutshell, only the State can enact firearms laws, not counties, not cities, not towns. The statute is ARS 13-3108.
AzCDL has been working hard for the last 15 years to restore and protect your right to keep and bear arms in Arizona. Want to help us do even more? We invite you join AzCDL.