Criminal Justice (Firearms)

passed both · Arizona · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 2048: orders of protection; process servers

HB 2048 amends Arizona's order of protection procedures to clarify and streamline the process for victims of domestic violence. It allows minors, third parties acting on behalf of incapacitated individuals, and others to file petitions, requires courts to review petitions without a hearing if reasonable cause exists, and specifies that orders can include restrictions on contact, exclusive residence possession, firearm prohibitions, and animal custody. The bill eliminates filing and service fees, mandates courts provide information about local emergency and counseling services, and prohibits mutual orders of protection while requiring consolidation of opposing petitions. This directly affects domestic violence victims, alleged abusers, and courts handling these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStreamlines victim access to protection orders, removes fees, aligns with victim rights in criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2801: marijuana convictions; misdemeanors; fines; assessments

Arizona's HB 2801 allows individuals convicted of specific low-level marijuana offenses occurring before November 30, 2020, to petition courts for expungement of their records. It directly affects people arrested or convicted for possessing ≤2.5 ounces of marijuana, growing ≤6 plants at home for personal use, or possessing related paraphernalia. The bill requires courts to grant expungement unless prosecutors prove ineligibility with clear evidence, sealing records and restoring civil rights like firearm possession. Agencies must remove expunged records from public access and cannot use them in future cases. This policy change takes effect July 12, 2021, for eligible cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpunges low-level marijuana convictions, restoring civil rights and reducing barriers to reintegration, directly advancing criminal justice reform by addressing outdated penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Drug Policy Firearms

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 2421: assault weapons; magazines; prohibition; registration

HB 2421 prohibits private possession of assault weapons (defined as firearms with features like detachable magazines or specific stocks) and large-capacity magazines in Arizona. It applies to most residents, with exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers selling to those agencies. The bill requires existing owners to either surrender, permanently disable, or register their weapons within 90 days, including annual background checks and strict storage rules. Violations carry fines starting at $750 for first-time possession offenses, escalating to $5,000 for felony violations. The law does not affect government or military use, and registration is mandatory for retained weapons.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits assault weapons and large-capacity magazines with registration, background checks, and storage rules to reduce gun violence, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1352: domestic violence; definition; animal abuse

SB 1352 expands Arizona’s definition of domestic violence to include more relationship types, such as current or former romantic/sexual partners, and clarifies when law enforcement must arrest individuals for domestic violence offenses involving physical injury or weapons. It requires officers to temporarily seize firearms during domestic violence calls if they believe the firearm poses a risk of serious harm to victims or household members, with specific procedures for holding firearms for 72 hours and notifying victims. The bill also mandates that officers inform victims about available protections (like restraining orders) and establishes a court process for returning firearms after a hearing if the risk no longer exists. Importantly, this bill does not address animal abuse, despite the title suggesting it. The changes directly affect victims, defendants, and law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence incidents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands domestic violence definitions and mandates firearm seizures during calls to prevent harm, strengthening victim protections and law enforcement protocols within criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 26, 2026

HCR 2019: firearm sales; transfers; background checks

HCR 2019 is a proposed constitutional referendum (not yet law) requiring background checks for most private firearm transfers in Arizona. It mandates that non-dealer sellers must use a licensed dealer to process sales, including conducting background checks under federal and state law, with a $20 fee cap for the dealer. Key exceptions include transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, law enforcement activities, gunsmith repairs, and temporary transfers to prevent imminent harm. If passed by voters, violating this requirement would be a class 5 felony. The measure is currently pending voter approval after initial legislative readings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates background checks for private gun sales, reducing illegal firearm access and aligning with criminal justice reform to enhance public safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 1231: firearms; mandatory destruction; criminal offenses

This bill requires courts to destroy firearms forfeited after certain felony convictions involving firearm use, rather than allowing sale. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific firearm-related offenses, such as using a gun in a violent crime under Arizona law. The key provision mandates destruction unless the victim (or their family if the victim is deceased) chooses to have the firearm sold. This changes existing rules by prioritizing destruction over sale for firearms, while maintaining the option for victims' families to request a sale.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates destruction of forfeited firearms to prevent reuse in crimes, reducing recidivism risk and enhancing public safety within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Violent Crime

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passed · Arizona · House Jun 12, 2026

HB 2676: juvenile restoration; rights; firearms; civil

HB 2676 allows individuals adjudicated delinquent as juveniles in Arizona to petition a court for restored firearm rights after meeting specific conditions. It directly affects people who were minors when convicted of certain offenses but not adults. The bill establishes two waiting periods: 25 years for those convicted of serious offenses like burglary or arson, or a two-year wait for other felonies after completing probation or court-ordered conditions. The process requires a court application with no filing fee, served to the county attorney, and is handled by juvenile court judges. This changes the legal pathway for juvenile offenders to regain firearm rights under defined circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores firearm rights for juvenile offenders after waiting periods, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration - aligns with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and reducing barriers to reentry.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 2420: firearm sales; transfers; background checks

HB 2420 requires private firearm sales or transfers between non-licensed individuals to occur through a licensed firearms dealer who conducts a background check. This directly affects private sellers and buyers who are not licensed dealers, mandating they use a dealer to complete the transaction and verify the buyer’s eligibility under federal and state law. Key provisions include the dealer performing a background check (via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System), charging a $20 fee for this service, and prohibiting transfers if the buyer is legally barred from owning firearms. Exceptions cover law enforcement, gunsmiths, temporary transfers for safety, family gifts, antique firearms, and specific recreational loans, but violations carry a class 5 felony penalty.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates background checks for private gun sales to prevent prohibited access, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2571: prohibited weapons; machine guns

HB 2571 allows individuals previously barred from possessing firearms (due to mental health findings or federal restrictions like 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4)) to petition Arizona courts to restore their gun rights. To qualify, petitioners must provide psychological evidence, prove they pose no danger to public safety, and demonstrate their circumstances have changed. If approved, courts update state and national databases (including the FBI’s background check system) to remove the restriction. This directly affects people classified as "prohibited possessors" under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3101(A)(7)(a) or federal law, enabling them to legally own firearms again after a court review. The bill does not change gun ownership rules but creates a legal process for restoring rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores gun rights for eligible individuals after psychological evaluation and safety proof, aligning with criminal justice reform by providing pathway to regain rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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