AZ Reps Nguyen, Bliss Petition AG Mayes for City’s 2A Violation

Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss (both R-1) formally requested Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to open an SB 1487 investigation into Sedona’s controversial firearm ordinance. In 2023, the City passed Ordinance 12.30.090, which prohibits carrying or discharging various weapons—including firearms, BB guns, and even slingshots—in parks, trails, and open spaces. Critics argue the ruling infringes on the constitutional rights of Arizona citizens and violates Arizona state law. The Arizona Globe highlighted the ordinance’s legal and constitutional implications in October 2024.

Nguyen, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, raised concerns in a letter sent to Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow and the City Council last week, requesting that the City complete an internal legal review to determine if the ordinance complied with state law. After Sedona failed to respond, Nguyen and Bliss escalated the issue, emphasizing the ordinance’s apparent conflict with Arizona’s preemption law, A.R.S. § 13-3108, prohibiting local governments from enacting firearm regulations that supersede the state’s.

In a statement, Nguyen underscored the issue’s seriousness, writing, “Arizona law is clear: the right to bear arms shall not be infringed by local governments acting outside the scope of state law.” He argued that the ordinance’s sweeping restrictions, which include knives with blades longer than three-and-a-half inches, could unlawfully infringe on residents’ rights.

I’m questioning the validity of the ordinance attempting to regulate firearms by the City of Sedona 👇👇👇 https://t.co/PSkRWV4X6E

— Quang Nguyen (@QuangNguyenAZ) November 18, 2024

The legislators have asked Attorney General Mayes to investigate the matter within 30 days, adding that Sedona could resolve the issue quickly by repealing the ordinance during this period. However, if the investigation determines the ordinance violates state law, Nguyen and Bliss will request a special action from the Arizona Supreme Court to ensure compliance and protect residents’ rights.

SB 1487, officially deemed the “Legislator Requests for Investigation” law, was enacted in Arizona in 2016. It grants state legislators the authority to request that the Attorney General investigate whether a local government action conflicts with state law. If the investigation deems a violation occurred, the local government has 30 days to resolve the issue or face the potential loss of state-shared revenues. It has generated intense debate, both supporting and criticizing its implications. Supporters argue that SB 1487 ensures uniformity and adherence to state laws and prevents local governments from enacting policies that contradict state priorities. However, critics contend it undermines local autonomy by allowing state intervention in municipal affairs. The financial penalties associated with non-compliance can place significant pressure on local governments.

This is a developing story…