Preliminary approval for carrying concealed weapon without permit (AZ)

[Hazcat]

PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Senate has given preliminary approval to legislation that would make Arizona the third state allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

The Senate approved the measure in a voice vote on Tuesday. Preliminary approval sets the stage for a formal vote in the Senate. Passage would send it to the House.

The measure would make it legal for U.S. citizens 21 or older to carry concealed weapons in Arizona without permits now required.

Currently, carrying a concealed weapon in the state without a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

By eliminating the permit requirement, Arizonans no longer would have to undergo background checks and take training classes to carry hidden guns.

http://www.azfamily.com/outbound-feeds/yahoo-news/Preliminary-approval-for-carrying-concealed-weapon-without-permit-88963872.html

Thx and a hat tip to CR

[tt11758]

Actually, this only brings concealed carry in line with open carry in Arizona.  Currently in Arizona, while you need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, anybody can open carry, with no permit required.  This proposed legislation just makes things more uniform.