New Arizona and Texas Gun Laws in Place

Mostly good but as always a mixed bag

The 2017 Update for The Arizona Gun Owner's Guide will be posted in downloadable form here.

The four main new gun laws may not affect gun owners immediately, but protections are now in place against expected attempts at future infringements. All 50 states should have similar protection in place. The Arizona versions can serve as a model.

1. Firearm Tracking Ban -- It's now a class 6 felony to require a person to use any sort of electronic firearm tracking system. That includes devices on the firearm and centralized or decentralized databases. Includes electronic systems "used to locate or control the use of a firearm," which could include so-called personalized guns (sometimes erroneously called smart guns). People could opt in if they want (they did with LoJack), and there are exceptions for authorities. A not perfect but really good plan. Read more.

2. Police Protection -- Cops now get special treatment whether on duty or off. Many protections only applied in the performance of official duty, that's been removed. An assault on an officer, on or off duty, if done with "malice" is aggravated assault. A direct result of the orchestrated Fergusson, Mo. black riots. Includes a gun snatch from an officer, what Michael Brown was doing when shot (misreported to this day by most "news" outlets. USA Today recently said shot "during a scuffle."). Read more.

3. State Preemption -- Continuous struggle to keep local fiefdoms from finding creative new infringements. This amendment basically stops them from banning their employees and contractors from having firearms in their vehicles, or on their real property (homes). Read more.

4. Private Property Transfers -- Beautifully written roadblock to prevent tyrannical actors who are seeking to force gun transfers to fall under federal control or registry. Elegant -- it doesn't mention firearm in any way -- a person cannot be required to check a database before the private sale, gift, donation, or any other transfer of any personal property, and no third party can be required to be involved in such transfers. Introduce this in your state. Read more.