ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: JUD 5-3-1-0

HB 2819: carrying firearms; minors; exception; consent

Sponsor: Representative Nguyen, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

Adds that an unemancipated, unaccompanied minor may only possess or carry a firearm on private property that is owned or leased by the minor or the minor's parent, grandparent or guardian if the parent, grandparent or guardian consents. Increases the penalty for a minor unlawfully possessing or carrying a firearm to a class 5 felony.

History

Current statute forbids an unaccompanied, unemancipated minor from knowingly possessing or carrying a firearm anywhere except for private property owned or leased by the minor or the minor's parent, grandparent or guardian. This prohibition does not apply to minors that are between 14 and 17 years old who lawfully carry a firearm for the purposes of certain lawful hunting, marksmanship or agricultural activities as outlined in statute. If not within one of these exemptions, statute classifies a violation of this prohibition as a class 6 felony and prescribes other penalties for the minor and, in some cases, the minor's parent or guardian if they knew or should have known and made no effort to stop the minor's unlawful conduct (A.R.S. § 31-3111).

Provisions

1. Adds that an unaccompanied, unemancipated minor cannot carry a firearm on private property owned or leased by the minor or the minor's parent, grandparent or guardian unless they have been given consent to do so. (Sec. 1)

2. Raises the penalty for a minor unlawfully carrying or possessing a firearm from a class 6 felony to a class 5 felony. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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7. HB 2819

8. Initials JL/MB Page 0 Caucus & COW

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