Anti-2A Bills in Arizona Are Proving Otherwise
When news broke about Washington State’s HB 1504, a controversial proposal requiring gun owners to obtain liability insurance to maintain their Right to Keep and Bear Arms, many in Arizona may have thought, “That could never happen here.” But the truth is, Arizona—long regarded as a haven for gun ownership—is not immune to legislative attacks on our constitutional freedoms. In fact, several bills have already been introduced in the Arizona Legislature this session that, if passed, would fundamentally undermine the rights of responsible gun owners across the state.
It gets deeper. At a recent Republican LD meeting, a precinct committeeperson was proudly wearing a “Moms Demand Action” t-shirt. Folks, the anti-2A groups have infiltrated even your local GOP party.
Arizona’s Growing Threat: Anti-Rights Legislation
This legislative session, we’re seeing a slew of bills introduced by lawmakers seeking to chip away at our rights. These bills mirror efforts in other states like Washington, where incremental restrictions on lawful gun ownership have become the norm. The proposed bills in Arizona range from restrictions on firearm accessories to outright bans on certain firearms and magazines. Here’s a breakdown of the most concerning legislation introduced so far:
HB 2159 – Prohibited Weapon; Bump-Fire Device; Accessory
Sponsored by Rep. Quantá Crews (D), this bill targets firearm accessories such as bump stocks, classifying them as prohibited weapons. This measure is another example of penalizing law-abiding citizens for owning legal accessories while failing to address the root causes of crime.
HB 2211 – Severe Threat Order of Protection
Rep. Nancy Gutierrez (D) sponsors this bill, which introduces severe threat orders of protection, a thinly veiled version of red-flag laws. These laws strip individuals of their firearms without due process, creating a dangerous precedent where your rights can be taken away based on mere accusations.
HB 2214 – Failure to Secure Weapon; Minor
Another bill sponsored by Rep. Gutierrez, this legislation would criminalize gun owners for not securing firearms in homes with minors, shifting blame from criminals to responsible gun owners.
HB 2431 – Firearms Regulated by State; Repeal
Rep. Gutierrez is also behind this dangerous proposal to repeal Arizona’s preemption statute, which currently prevents local governments from enacting their own firearm regulations. Without preemption, we could see a confusing patchwork of gun laws across the state, making compliance nearly impossible for gun owners.
HB 2512 – Firearm Transfers; Offenses; Domestic Violence
Sponsored by Rep. Lydia Hernandez (D), this bill expands restrictions on firearm transfers, imposing additional burdens on law-abiding citizens while failing to deter criminals who do not follow the law.
HB 2513 – Misconduct Involving Weapons; Instigation
Rep. Hernandez introduces another bill, aiming to redefine misconduct involving weapons. The vague language of the bill leaves room for broad interpretations, potentially criminalizing everyday actions by responsible gun owners.
HB 2529 – Duty to Retreat; Repeal
Rep. Lorena Austin (D) seeks to repeal Arizona’s “no duty to retreat” law, which currently allows individuals to stand their ground when defending themselves or others. This repeal would put lives at risk by forcing victims to retreat in the face of danger from places they have a legal right to be.
HB 2535 – Firearms Dealers; Transfers; Requirements
Rep. Anna Abeytia (D) proposes stricter regulations on firearms dealers and transfers, increasing red tape for lawful transactions without addressing the illegal gun market.
HB 2536 – Sentencing; Concealed Weapons Permits; Surrender
Another bill by Rep. Abeytia requires individuals convicted of certain offenses to surrender their concealed carry permits. While targeting convicted individuals, it opens the door to broader restrictions.
HB 2618 – Voluntary Prohibited Possessor; Definition
Rep. Aaron Márquez (D) introduces this bill to expand the definition of prohibited possessors, a move that could create unintended consequences for responsible gun owners.
HB 2619 – Assault Weapons; Magazines; Prohibition; Registration
One of the most alarming bills, sponsored by Rep. Márquez, aims to ban so-called “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines while requiring registration for existing firearms. This legislation is a direct assault on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
HB 2620 – Firearm Sales; Permit Verification; Requirements
Rep. Márquez proposes additional hurdles for firearm purchases, requiring permit verification that complicates the process for law-abiding buyers.
HB 2621 – Firearm Sales; Transfers; Background Checks
This bill, also by Rep. Márquez, seeks to implement universal background checks, effectively creating a de facto gun registry.
HCR 2034 – Firearm Sales; Transfers; Background Checks
This resolution mirrors HB 2621, reinforcing the push for universal background checks and increasing government oversight on private sales.
HR 2002 – Gun Violence; Public Health Crisis
Sponsored by Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D), this resolution frames “gun violence” as a public health crisis, paving the way for more sweeping anti-gun measures under the guise of public safety.
Protecting Arizona’s Gun Owners
We recognize the urgent need to defend the rights of Arizona’s gun owners. These proposed bills represent a coordinated effort to erode our freedoms, and we are actively working at the Arizona State Capitol to ensure they do not become law. Our team is monitoring these bills, lobbying against them, and mobilizing grassroots support to protect your rights.
Why You Should Stay Vigilant
It’s easy to believe that Arizona’s strong gun culture and conservative history will shield us from anti-rights legislation, but the reality is far different. States like Washington and California didn’t implement sweeping gun control overnight. Instead, they passed incremental restrictions over time, often under the radar of the average citizen. Arizona is no different—without active opposition, these bills could pass, setting a dangerous precedent for future legislation.
How You Can Help
Defending our rights requires more than just showing up to vote—it takes active engagement. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
1. Contact Your Legislators: Let your representatives know that you oppose these bills. Be polite but firm in your stance.
2. Support Advocacy Organizations: Groups like the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) are on the frontlines, fighting for your rights. Join them, volunteer, and donate.
3. Stay Informed: Follow updates on legislation and attend events like the upcoming Freedom Festival on March 1, 2025, at the Arizona State Capitol where we will advocate for our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
4. Educate Others: Share information about these bills with friends, family, and fellow gun owners. The more people who are aware of these threats, the stronger our collective voice will be. If your friends don’t receive our e-mails and newsletters, have them click this link to subscribe <https://azcdl.org/subscribe-to-alerts/>.
The Bottom Line
Arizona is at a crossroads. The introduction of these anti-rights bills this year and the 30-plus introduced last year shows that even a state with a proud firearms tradition is not immune to attacks on our freedoms. Washington’s HB 1504 may feel like a distant problem, but the same anti-gun mentality is knocking on our door right here in Arizona.
We are committed to standing guard at the Capitol and ensuring these bills do not infringe on your constitutional rights. But we can’t do it alone—your voice, your engagement, and your support are critical to preserving the freedoms we hold dear.
Think it can’t happen here? It already is. Let’s stop it now.
Michael Infanzon
AzCDL Chief Lobbyist