As of July 29, Arizona gun laws have changed. The rules have changed in favor of the many Arizonans who support the right to bear arms. Creating a freer environment for those who value their right to firearms has been a long-standing goal for many in the state, a goal that has been delayed due to a state government that did not align with that ideology.

Now, along with a change in government, comes a change in freedoms, and Arizonans 21 and older no longer have to have a permit in order to carry a concealed weapon. All of the changes included in the new laws are the following:

  • Wherever open carry is allowed, those who carry concealed firearms do not need a permit to carry.
  • A permit is still required to carry a concealed gun in a bar or restaurant.
  • Arizona law is not valid in other states. If a state requires a permit to carry and someone does not have one, he or she cannot legally carry a concealed gun while visiting that state.
  • An eight-hour educational course is no longer necessary in order to carry a gun. Other shorter and inexpensive training sources can suffice in order to legally carry a firearm, such as NRA training courses.
  • If a police officer asks whether someone is carrying, he or she must tell the truth. Officers are also given the authority to temporarily separate someone from his or her gun during a routine stop or other investigation.

While Arizona is full of residents who are happy about the recent changes in gun laws, there are also safety advocates who challenge the deregulation of firearms.

They believe that allowing more people to carry concealed weapons puts more unsuspecting residents in the dangerous line of potential gunfire. Also, they believe that decreasing the mandated amount of gun training and education further endangers both those who carry guns and the public around them.

Whether the opponents of the new Arizona gun laws are right or wrong depends on the amount of gun violence and crime that occurs from here on out. We will update you as soon as news breaks about either a significant increase or decrease in the amount of Arizona violence and overall crime. 

Resource

AZCentral: Arizona's concealed-weapon law takes effect (7/29/2010)