Governor Brewer signed the Constitutional Carry bill (SB 1108) into law today April 16, 2010. The law will become effective 90 days after this session adjourns (Sine Die). In reality the law begins effect at midnight of the 90th day, or the beginning of the 91st day. The exact date will be determined at adjournment. There have been rumors that this session could adjourn next week, but with the number of other bills on the table we could probably expect adjournment at about the end of June.
While waiting for the Governor’s actions, it has been interesting learning about the diversity of opinion within the pro 2A crowd. Even more interesting are the opinions coming out of what could be considered the anti 2A crowd.
Down here in the ‘Cactus Patch’, it appears many of us have been making inroads. Much of what I’m seeing now is that there are many ‘moderate’ liberals, while they may not like the progression of the legislation here, have at least been willing to enter into discussions. In that, many express their understanding of the reasons for the sequence of events, and are now more inclined to not view the so called ‘gun nuts’ as gun nuts any more. We are making progress.
Now, those without Concealed Carry Permits do NOT start carrying right away. This law will not go into effect until 90 days after ‘Sine Die’ which is 90 days after adjournment of this session.
Also, because of the enormity of this new law, look for other laws to be amended to dovetail in with these changes.
As it stands now, although Arizona recognizes all other states permits, the need for those permits will no longer be required to conceal. However, under 4-229, the wording indicates that only an Arizona permit holder can conceal carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Also, the previous forbidden areas still apply.
It is early stages, so be on the lookout for changes in the Arizona law concerning conceal carry. There are many sections that will see change to tie this all together, but for now remains unclear.
The Phoenix Gun Rights Examiner - Douglas Little, has already written about SB 1108 today. He covers the ‘Law of Unintentional Consequences’ rather well.
On a personal side, I do not think that there will be numerous people here that will start carrying concealed. While those of us who are active in the movement are only too aware, this new bill will escape the vast majority of the population. It is not until an individual is interested or concerned that they will seek the knowledge. Likewise, the need for an Arizona permit not only lends itself to reciprocity/honoring by other states, but also serves as a background check when purchasing a firearm, and if needed confirms the status of an individual when encountered by law enforcement.
Within this state, as the law reads now, an Arizona permit is needed to carry concealed in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Open carry in said restaurant is illegal by anyone, permit or not.
We are in the beginning stages of which many think simple. In reality, it is a rather complicated process legally, and will take time for the rest of the statutes to catch up.
UPDATE: SB 1108 becomes effective on July 29, 2010
or more commentary, visit the online journal, The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance a daily atThe War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance.
Comments
I have been a legal gun owner for many years. In the process have taken various gun instruction and currently have in my possession a concealed weapons permit. In the years of gun ownership and being a part of society I find it naive to think that this law will escape the vast majority of the population as stated by the author of this article; it reads as follows, "While those of us who are active in the movement are only too aware, this new bill will escape the vast majority of the population. It is not until an individual is interested or concerned that they will seek the knowledge." Furthermore as a citizen of the state of Arizona and a United States born citizen, it is my belief that these laws are to be voted on by the people in which I have yet to receive a voting ballot on this issue. In conclusion it seems that individual interest groups want government control only when it suits their needs. Interest groups are like spoiled children.
People who obtain guns legally, carry them legally. Those who don't, never have. When did you ever see a "gangbanger" observing our open carry laws? Most of their weapons are either stolen or have already been used in a crime, and they carry them concealed.
All we have to lose is another charge that can be brought against "habitual offenders". And, when did carrying open make anyone safer with their weapon?
Man, I need to move back to AZ soon!
I'm liking this immigration law more and more.
If they weren't all distracted with it, they'd be turning their attention to the constitutional carry issue and looking for ways to block it.
And then again, neither bill would have been signed by the governor if it weren't for her spending all her political capital on prop 100. She desperately needed to make inroads with the right after that if she wanted any chance of re-election. I'm glad to pay a small sales tax increase if it keeps them off my back in other areas :)
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