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SB 1053

Relating to persons authorized to observe vote tallying.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Bonham

SB 1053 sets distance limits on hunting discharges near occupied structures and clarifies when wildlife hunting is lawful, while preserving state preemption on most local gun rules

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1053

Summary — SB 1053 (Arizona, 2025) — Wildlife; firearms discharge; structures; distance

Status: Rule 3‑9(a) / Re‑referred to Assignments
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Primary sponsors (introduced version): Senator Rogers; Representative Gillette

Purpose / Intent

SB 1053 amends Arizona statutes governing unlawful discharge of firearms and the regulation of taking wildlife to (1) clarify when discharging firearms to take wildlife is permitted, (2) set specific distance limits around occupied structures for certain hunting discharges, and (3) preserve state preemption over most local firearm regulations while allowing limited local restrictions on firearm discharge near occupied structures.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends A.R.S. § 13-3107 (Unlawful discharge of firearms):

    • Retains criminal negligence standard that makes discharging a firearm within/into a municipality a class 6 felony.
    • Explicitly exempts lawful taking of wildlife during open seasons (as established by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Title 17 rules) from the unlawful-discharge provision.
    • Confirms that a city, town, or county may adopt an ordinance restricting discharge of a firearm within one‑fourth mile of an occupied structure without the owner/occupant’s consent.
    • Keeps other enumerated exceptions (ranges, permits, self‑defense, blanks, >1 mile from occupied structure per statute, etc.).
    • Defines “occupied structure” as any building where a reasonable person in the shooter’s location would expect someone to be present.

  • Amends A.R.S. § 13-3108 (State preemption over firearms regulation):

    • Reaffirms broad state preemption: political subdivisions generally may not regulate transportation, possession, sale, discharge, etc., of firearms or ammunition.
    • Adds that political subdivisions shall not enact ordinances limiting lawful taking of wildlife during open season unless consistent with Title 17 and Commission rules — but explicitly allows a city or town to restrict discharge within one‑fourth mile of an occupied structure.
    • Preserves other preemption features (prohibiting local licensing/registration, limits on recordkeeping of firearm owners, etc.).

  • Amends A.R.S. § 17-309 (Wildlife violations):

    • Prohibits discharging a rifle or a shotgun loaded with buckshot or a slug while taking big game within one‑fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse, residence, cabin, lodge, or building without permission.
    • Prohibits discharging a shotgun loaded with bird/game shot or a device that fires an arrow while taking small game within one‑eighth mile of such occupied structures without permission.
    • Other Title 17 violation classifications and penalties remain (general violations are typically class 2 misdemeanors; certain offenses escalate to class 1 misdemeanors or felonies).

  • Amends A.R.S. § 17-340 (Sanctions on license holders):

    • Confirms that the Game and Fish Commission may revoke/suspend licenses and deny future licenses (up to 5 years) for unlawful taking, careless use of firearms that result in injury/death, and related violations.

Who is affected

  • Hunters and recreational shooters: clarified permissible conduct while taking wildlife; new distance restrictions for certain weapons/ammunition near occupied structures.
  • Municipalities and counties: continue to be largely preempted from regulating firearms but may adopt limited ordinances restricting discharge near occupied structures (quarter‑mile).
  • Arizona Game and Fish Commission: enforcement and rule consistency responsibilities under Title 17.
  • Landowners/residents: gains clearer statutory protection from nearby hunting discharges without permission within specified distances.
  • Law enforcement and licensing authorities: enforcement of revised distance and revocation provisions.

Penalties / Consequences (highlights)

  • Criminal negligent discharge in a municipality: class 6 felony.
  • Title 17 violations: range from class 2 misdemeanors up to class 6 felonies for certain unlawful sales/possession; revocation of hunting privileges up to 5 years for serious offenses including careless firearm use causing injury/death.

Procedural / Timeline note

  • Introduced Feb 3, 2025. Current status reported as Rule 3‑9(a) / Re‑referred to Assignments. (Document contains multiple engrossed and introduced versions; this summary reflects the Arizona bill text as provided.)

If you want, I can produce a one‑page comparison showing the exact statutory text changes (struck/added language) or a short explainer for landowners and hunters on how the distance rules would apply in practice.

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

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