The new law applies only to those who are at least 21 years old. And concealed-carry permits are not available to those who are younger.
Anyone younger than 21 would still be prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon on property that does not belong to that person, a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. But the new law does narrow the definition so that a weapon is not considered concealed if any part of the gun or holster is visible.
John Thomas, lobbyist for the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, testified against the measure earlier this session, telling lawmakers the change “will take Arizona back to the Wild West... with no consideration of officer safety.”
But Pearce noted that police groups opposed the original 1994 concealed-carry law, predicting it would lead to officer shootings — shootings Pearce said did not happen.
To soften police opposition, language was inserted in the measure to require anyone stopped by a police officer to disclose whether he or she is carrying a concealed weapon and to take temporary possession of the gun while the person is being questioned.
This is actually the third measure expanding gun rights that Brewer has signed this year alone.
She penned her approval to one bill which prohibits cities from having restrictions on weapons more stringent than anything in state law. That is specifically aimed at communities which have prohibited those with concealed weapons permits from carrying them into city parks.
And Brewer signed legislation aimed at allowing Arizonans to have firearms without registering them with the federal government. That law says federal laws do not apply to weapons and ammunition manufactured wholly within Arizona. Click Here To Read Full Story