GOP Lawmaker Pushes to Lift Arizona’s Ban on Machine Guns and Explosive Devices

A Republican lawmaker in Arizona is pushing to repeal the state law that prohibits ownership of certain weapons, including machine guns, silencers, sawed-off shotguns, and homemade explosives. Rep. Alexander Kolodin has introduced the “Shall Not Be Infringed Act,” which seeks to eliminate local prosecution for individuals possessing these dangerous firearms, even when they violate federal law.

Kolodin, representing Scottsdale, argues that the current law infringes on Second Amendment rights. He insists that if the federal government wants to enforce its regulations, it should bear the responsibility without state involvement. “What this bill says is, if the feds want to infringe on our Second Amendment rights, they can darn well pay for doing that themselves,” Kolodin told the Arizona Mirror.

His proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 2037, aims to strip away state restrictions on specific deadly weapons. Although it has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, it has yet to receive any consideration. If passed by the legislature, the law change would require approval from Arizona voters in 2026.

Kolodin’s rationale is rooted in a belief that weapon bans represent a violation of constitutional rights. He remains focused on limiting state enforcement of federal laws prohibiting ownership of certain firearms. Kolodin has a history of advocating for Second Amendment rights and is connected with the Arizona Citizens’ Defense League, an organization focused on gun rights.

However, experts warn that removing the state’s prohibition could create legal confusion surrounding the possession of these weapons. Dr. Robert Spitzer, a political science professor, noted that weakened state enforcement could lead to increased accessibility for illegal firearms. “It would seem to be a de facto open door for people who want to have these kinds of weapons,” he stated.

Additionally, grassroots organizations such as Giffords, founded by ex-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, are gearing up to oppose the resolution. Erin Earp, a senior policy attorney for Giffords, expressed concern regarding the dangerous precedent the legislation could set. She remarked, “I’ve not seen legislation like this in other states; it’s dangerous.”

Dr. Lisa Kopp from Moms Demand Action also criticized the proposed changes, emphasizing the growing incidence of gun violence in Arizona. According to a report from the Arizona Public Health Association, gun deaths have steadily risen, with a significant disparate impact on communities of color.

The debate continues as lawmakers are expected to discuss gun-related proposals later this month. Kopp and other advocates plan to voice their opposition if the resolution is scheduled for a hearing. “I cannot see people, if they really understood this content, thinking this is a good idea,” Kopp asserted.

As legislation unfolds, the future of firearm restrictions in Arizona hangs in the balance. Proponents of the repeal argue for personal freedom and Second Amendment adherence, while critics highlight public safety concerns and recent studies indicating a correlation between lax gun laws and increased gun deaths.