ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
DATE: January 30, 2024
SUBJECT: Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1183, relating to brass knuckles; prohibited
weapons
Purpose
Modifies the definition of prohibited weapon to include brass knuckles and classifies the
manufacturing, possessing, transporting, selling or transferring of brass knuckles as a class 1
misdemeanor.
Background
Statute outlines what is considered to be a prohibited weapon and what constitutes
misconduct involving weapons. A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly
manufacturing, possessing, transporting, selling or transferring a prohibited weapon (A.R.S. §§
13-3101 and 13-3102).
A class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum imprisonment sentence of six months and a
civil penalty of not more than $2,500 (A.R.S. §§ 13-707 and 13-802).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Modifies the definition of prohibited weapon to include brass knuckles.
2. Classifies the manufacturing, possessing, transporting, selling or transferring of brass knuckles
as a class 1 misdemeanor.
3. Defines brass knuckles as a device made of metal, plastic or any hard material designed to fit
over and around the knuckles of the human hand to enhance the power of a punch.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
SAWYER BESSLER
ASSISTANT RESEARCH ANALYST
ZACK DEAN
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Telephone: (602) 926-3171