Rep. Nguyen Challenges Sedona’s Gun Rules

Sedona’s ordinance against firearms in public spaces is facing scrutiny from state lawmakers. On October 9, Arizona Representative Quang Nguyen (R-District 1) alerted the Sedona City Council about potential violations of state law stemming from Sedona City Code 12.30.090.

This city code prohibits carrying or discharging firearms in parks, trails, or open spaces and encompasses various projectile weapons. Notably, exceptions apply to those with permits under A.R.S. §13-3112 and peace officers on duty. Additionally, the code bans bringing deadly weapons, including specific knives and similar instruments, into these areas.

According to City Attorney Kurt Christianson, this prohibition was originally enacted as part of Ordinance 2009-10 in 2006. However, the legal landscape has changed significantly since then. Arizona legalized the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit in 2010, which complicates local regulations.

A.R.S. §13-3108(A) explicitly prohibits local ordinances that govern firearms, indicating that such powers rest with state law. Local jurisdictions can only regulate the discharge of firearms in parks under defined conditions; however, they cannot restrict the carrying of firearms.

Nguyen emphasized that Sedona’s current ordinance conflicts with state law, suggesting it is invalid and unenforceable. He pointed out that Arizona has allowed individuals to carry weapons openly and concealed without permits since 2010. Nguyen called for a legal review of the ordinance to ensure compliance with state statutes.

On October 15, Nguyen noted he had not received feedback from Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow or city council members regarding the ordinance. Christianson mentioned that the regulation hadn’t been enforced for years and was already slated for revision.

Proposed changes to the ordinance aim to remove firearms from its restrictions. The revised language for Chapter 12.30.090 would only prohibit certain non-firearm weapons in public areas. Furthermore, a new provision would allow firearm discharge solely in self-defense situations.