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Bill

HB 2214

failure to secure weapon; minor

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Anna Abeytia and 13 co-sponsors

Arizona bill creates criminal penalties for gun owners who fail to secure weapons against unauthorized minor access.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2214

Legislative bill overview

HB 2214 proposes to create criminal liability for Arizona gun owners who fail to secure firearms in a manner that prevents unauthorized access by minors. The bill establishes penalties for leaving weapons accessible to children, addressing a public safety concern around unintentional juvenile access to firearms.

Why is this important

Unintentional shootings involving minors represent a documented public health issue, with studies showing that secure storage can prevent such incidents. This legislation attempts to shift responsibility to gun owners through legal consequences, potentially reducing accidental injuries and deaths among children in Arizona households.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the bill infringes on property rights and constitutional protections, particularly regarding how "secure" is defined and enforced
  • Enforcement and liability definitions: Ambiguity about what constitutes proper securing (locks, safes, storage locations) could create legal uncertainty and inconsistent application across cases
  • Burden on responsible owners: Critics may contend the bill penalizes responsible gun owners disproportionately while placing enforcement burden on already-stretched law enforcement without proven deterrent effect
  • Parental responsibility vs. gun owner responsibility: Debate over whether parents or gun owners bear primary liability when minors access weapons in shared households or other settings

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

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