Reps. Nguyen and Bliss Launch Bold Move to Ban Firearms in Arizona Homes

By Matthew Holloway |

A recent report from the Arizona Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) has sparked significant controversy among state lawmakers. Arizona State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, have vocally criticized the CFRT’s suggestion to “remove all firearms in households with children.” This recommendation is based on claims that firearms in homes increase the risk of adolescent suicide.

In response, Nguyen and Bliss addressed a letter to Jennie Cunico, the Cabinet Executive Officer of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), expressing their strong disapproval. They described the CFRT’s stance as a violation of Second Amendment rights, comparing it to recent controversial gun control measures in New Mexico that were deemed unconstitutional.

The representatives articulated their disagreement, stating, “This radical proposal advocates for stripping Arizonans of their Second Amendment rights in their own homes.” They pointed to discrepancies in CFRT’s approach, where, despite reporting 31 child drownings in 2023, the CFRT refrained from recommending the elimination of pools or hot tubs. Instead, they pushed for enhanced safety practices, such as proper supervision and swim education, demonstrating an inconsistency in recommended policies.

“Effective policy solutions must safeguard constitutional rights and liberties,” Nguyen commented. He emphasized that while the CFRT’s report recommends sensible safety strategies for other risks like drowning, its push to eradicate firearms from homes is both extreme and impractical.

Representative Bliss echoed these sentiments, arguing that the state’s focus should be on education and safety practices rather than extreme measures that compromise individual liberties. “We stand firm in defending the Second Amendment rights of Arizona families,” she affirmed.

Further stoking the debate, Nguyen responded on social media to criticism from AZCentral’s Laurie Roberts, who contended that the CFRT’s recommendation did not breach constitutional rights. Roberts advocated for temporary firearm removal in households with a history of mental health issues. However, Nguyen countered, challenging her interpretation of the CFRT’s explicit language regarding firearm presence in homes and its link to youth suicides.

The CFRT’s advisory body primarily consists of appointees linked to Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, contributing to the contentious nature of the report.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.