Assigned to JUD AS VETOED
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
VETOED
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2544
Arizona manufactured; modified firearms
Purpose
Asserts that a personal firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is modified in
Arizona and that remains within the borders of Arizona is not subject to federal law or federal
regulation.
Background
Current statute asserts that a personal firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is
manufactured commercially or privately in Arizona and that remains within the borders of Arizona
is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of
Congress to regulate interstate commerce and is not considered to have traveled in interstate
commerce. The importation into Arizona of a firearm accessory, any generic or insignificant part
that has other manufacturing or consumer product applications or any basic materials, including
unmachined steel and unshaped wood that is incorporated into, attached to or used in conjunction
with a firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition manufactured in Arizona, does not subject the
firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition to federal regulation (A.R.S. § 13-3114).
The exemption from federal regulation does not apply to certain firearms including: 1) a
firearm that cannot be carried and used by one person; 2) a firearm that has a bore diameter of
more than one and one-half inches and that uses a smokeless powder as propellant; 3) ammunition
with a projectile that explodes using an explosion of chemical energy after the projectile leaves the
firearm; or 4) a firearm that discharges two or more projectiles with one activation of the trigger
or other firing device. A firearm that is manufactured and sold in Arizona must have the words
made in Arizona clearly stamped on a central metallic part such as the receiver or frame (A.R.S.
§ 13-3114).
A firearm accessory means an item that is used in conjunction with or mounted on a firearm
but that is not essential to the basic function of a firearm, including telescopic or laser sights,
magazines, flash suppressors, folding or aftermarket stocks and grips, speedloaders, ammunition
carriers and lights for target illumination. Manufactured means that a firearm, a firearm accessory
or ammunition has been created from basic materials for functional usefulness, including forging,
casting, machining or other processes for working materials (A.R.S. § 13-3114).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Asserts that a personal firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is modified in Arizona
and that remains within the borders of Arizona is not subject to federal law or federal
regulation. FACT SHEET – Vetoed
H.B. 2544
Page 2
2. Asserts that a firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is modified in Arizona from
basic materials that can be modified without the inclusion of any significant parts imported
from another state is not subject to federal law or federal regulation.
3. Requires a firearm that is manufactured and sold in Arizona to have the words modified in
Arizona clearly stamped on a central metallic part such as the receiver or frame, if applicable.
4. Defines modified as a modification that is made to a firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition
by a qualified gunsmith.
5. Makes technical changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that H.B. 2544 would limit the ability for
federal law makers and federal law enforcement agencies to enact regulations that promote public
safety, and could lead to ambiguity and confusion when state and federal laws diverge.
House Action Senate Action
JUD 2/15/23 DP 5-3-0-0 JUD 3/23/23 DP 4-3-0
3
rd
Read 3/1/23 31-28-1 3
rd
Read 5/9/23 16-14-0
Vetoed by the Governor 5/16/23
Prepared by Senate Research
May 23, 2023
ZD/SB/sr