Arizona cuts back renewal requirements

[KBCraig]

Feb. 7, 2006

AZ House moves to eliminate concealed carry refresher courses

PAUL DAVENPORT
The Associated Press

PHOENIX - A year after cutting in half the refresher training required for renewing a permit to carry a concealed weapon, the Arizona Legislature may eliminate the requirement altogether.

The House on Tuesday voted to delete the rule making permit holders get two hours of refresher training on gun safety, updates on weapons laws and other topics.

The bill (HB2074) now goes to the Senate.

Arizona had 72,823 active permits as of November, and the state is among 44 that require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, according to a legislative staff memo.

A first-time applicant for a permit, which is good for five years, must complete a state-approved firearms safety training program, submit fingerprints for a criminal history check and pay a fee. Renewals also require criminal background checks but only the first renewal requires submission of a fresh set of fingerprints.

Supporters of the bill said eliminating the requirement for refresher training is in accord with the right to bear arms afforded by the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

"It doesn't say you can bear arms if you've taken a class or understand the change in the laws. It says you have a right to bear arms," said Rep. Pamela Gorman, a Republican from Anthem, an unincorporated community north of Phoenix.

Critics said the refresher training is important for gun safety and that legislators should leave the requirement intact until any effects of last year's reduction from four hours can be measured.

"We're stepping ahead of ourselves," said Rep. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix.

[stevie_d_64]

Arizona figured it out!!!

Fingerprints rarely change...Unless you lose a digit or two...

Now only if the word could get out about this concept...