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HB 2421

assault weapons; magazines; prohibition; registration

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Marquez

Arizona bill prohibits assault weapon and high-capacity magazine sales while requiring registration of existing firearms, shifting the state's permissive gun policy.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2421

Legislative bill overview

HB 2421 proposes to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and possession of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Arizona, with a registration requirement for existing owners. The bill would establish definitions for what constitutes an "assault weapon" and set penalties for violations of the prohibition.

Why is this important

This represents a significant shift in Arizona's gun policy, as the state has historically maintained permissive firearm regulations. The bill would directly affect current gun owners, manufacturers, and retailers, while potentially impacting public safety discussions around mass shooting prevention—a contentious national debate.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Critics argue the prohibition may violate Second Amendment protections, particularly after recent Supreme Court decisions expanding gun rights (New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 2022)
  • Definition disputes: "Assault weapon" definitions vary widely and remain legally and politically contested; some argue the term is imprecise or encompasses commonly-owned firearms
  • Enforcement and compliance: Registration schemes raise questions about implementation costs, voluntary compliance rates, and whether existing owners would surrender or register weapons
  • Rural vs. urban divide: Arizona's rural areas may view this differently than urban centers, reflecting broader geographic political divisions on gun regulations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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