GOP state lawmakers introduce bills to expand gun rights, but most have already been vetoed

Ahead of the upcoming 2026 legislative session, GOP state lawmakers have already introduced a series of bills that would expand gun rights in Arizona.

Two of the bills would repeal restrictions on concealed weapons at colleges and businesses.

Under current state law, colleges and universities can impose their own rules restricting concealed weapons. But a bill by Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff) would preempt that.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed the same legislation last year.

And a bill by fellow Sen. Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) would similarly preempt retailers from not allowing concealed weapons on their properties — unless the carrier is drinking hard liquor.

That would mean retailers can’t drive away people with firearms by putting up signs saying they’re not permitted.

Another set of Rogers’ bills would prohibit any restrictions on silencers and make concealed weapons permits cheaper for in-state residents — 10% of what non-residents pay.

Those are also bills Hobbs has vetoed in the past.

Finally, Rogers introduced a bill to disallow the government from keeping any registries of gun owners or sellers, unless it’s part of a criminal investigation.

“A government entity may not knowingly keep or cause to be kept any list, record or registry of privately owned firearms or the owners of the firearms,” the bill states.

Furthermore, the attorney general or county attorney would be required to investigate potential violations of the law and impose fines.

It is yet another piece of legislation Hobbs has vetoed before.