Arizona’s newest law protects gun owners from anticipated federal overreach. It prohibits local police from enforcing any policy that violates the Second Amendment.
“We in the state of Arizona don’t want the federal government to infringe on our Second Amendment rights regardless whether it’s banning background checks or AR15’s, it’s up to the state to decide that,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R).
Critics view the law as unconstitutional and hope the courts will overturn it.
“I think whenever there are these mass shootings we start talking about laws that simply wouldn’t fix the problem,” added Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R), referring to recent shootings in Georgia and Colorado. “There is a lot of discussion out of Washington about Congressional action around the Second Amendment and this law was simply to protect the rights we already enjoy in Arizona.”
Governor Ducey signed HB2111 into law on Tuesday. This was just two days before President Joe Biden made a major announcement on gun control policy. Speaking to lawmakers Thursday in the White House Rose Garden, Biden outlined executive actions including:
- Increased scrutiny of ghost gun sales, including background checks (ghost guns are sold as a set of components and do not include serial numbers)
- More rules for stabilizing braces used to turn pistols into short-barreled rifles
- Increased power for individuals to obtain orders to remove weapons from people believed to be a threat to themselves and/or others
In addition, Senators will soon vote on House-approved gun control legislation that will greatly expand background check requirements for firearms.
Author’s Note: Arizona’s law is very clever and we can expect Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to follow suit.
Sources:
Arizona Gov. Ducey Signs Bill to Block New Federal Gun Laws
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signs bill to preempt federal gun laws
‘It Has To Stop’: Biden Takes Initial Action On Guns, Calls On Congress To Do More