News Information

4 new laws related to firearms and CCW

05-23-05: On August 11, 2005, four new laws related to firearms and CCW will become effective:

HB 2325 primarily affects concealed weapon permits by reducing the minimum training time for both initial and renewal classes to 8 and 2 hours, respectively and extends the life of a permit from four years to five years. Please note: Applications (initial or renewal) received by the CWPU on or after August 11, 2005 will be  valid for five years. Applications received on August 10, 2005 or earlier will be valid for four years. Additionally, permits issued on or before August 10, 2005 will expire on the date shown on the permit and they will not be extended for a fifth year. CCW permit classes taken August 10th or earlier will remain 16 hours for the initial class and 4 hours for the renewal class. This bill also provides a 90 day grace period for military personnel deployed overseas to renew their permit once they return from the deployment. The permit is considered valid in Arizona during this 90 day period. This bill also eliminates the requirement of submitting a fingerprint card with the second and subsequent renewal applications and provides for a defense if a permit holder is found to be carrying a concealed weapon but is not in possession of their permit, assuming the permit is valid. The CWPU is developing new training outlines to accommodate the requirements and will distribute them to training organizations as soon as possible.

HB 2450 implements the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004. This bill authorizes AZ DPS to create and manage a program to issue a certificate of firearms proficiency to law enforcement officer retirees in accordance with the law's requirements. This will not preclude individual agencies from issuing documentation to their own retirees. The CWPU anticipates using AZ POST firearms certified CCW instructors and organizations for the qualification portion of the application process. This law requires retirees to qualify and pass a judgmental shooting evaluation annually according to AZ POST standards, however, no additional training is required. After completing the AZ DPS program, retirees must carry both their retired credentials and the DPS issued certificate of firearms proficiency if they are carrying a concealed weapon. The federal law does not preempt state firearms laws (with the exception of carrying concealed), only local and county ordinances. Questions related to becoming an AZ POST certified firearms instructor should be directed to AZ POST at (602) 223-2514.

SB 1269 Exempts active-duty county detention officers from the CCW training requirement who have been weapons certified by their agency as having completed a firearms safety training program to obtain a CCW permit. This includes training for  both the initial issuance and renewal of a permit, similar to active AZ peace officers. Firearms qualified county detention officers applying for a permit will be required to submit a letter from their agency that states they are an active county detention officer and that they are qualified to carry a firearm. Active county detention officers will submit an application, fingerprint card, letter from their agency and a money order, cashiers check, or certified check made payable to AZ DPS for the appropriate fee (see fee schedule on CCW home page). This law does not apply to city/municipal detention officers, who are ineligible.

SB 1271 This bill allows an elective class of firearms familiarization to be taught in public schools and requires the course to be jointly developed by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the Department of Public Safety and private firearms organizations.