Firearm purchases; waiting period; offense
If enacted, HB 2180 will amend Title 13, Chapter 31 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section that criminalizes the act of delivering a firearm before the waiting period has expired. A violation of this requirement is classified as a class 6 felony, which will carry significant legal repercussions for retailers. This change signals a shift in the state's approach to gun control and aims to enhance public safety by providing a thoughtful reflection period for buyers.
House Bill 2180 aims to introduce a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases in Arizona. The bill provides a clear stipulation that it is illegal for a retailer to deliver a firearm before a period of three days after the completion of the purchase, which excludes weekends and legal holidays. This measure is intended to promote responsible firearm ownership and could potentially decrease impulsive decisions that lead to violence or crime involving firearms.
The introduction of HB 2180 is likely to evoke a spectrum of opinions and debates among lawmakers and the public. Proponents of the bill, potentially including various advocacy groups focusing on gun safety, may argue that the waiting period is a necessary precaution to help prevent gun-related accidents and violence. Conversely, opponents, particularly those championing Second Amendment rights, may view the bill as an infringement on personal freedoms and a government overreach into lawful gun purchases.