A new bill, if enacted, could see a tax break for Arizonans who obtain a concealed carry permit and weapons training not currently required by the state.
The measure, sponsored by state House Majority Leader Steve Montenegro, would offer a tax credit of up to $80 toward the cost of a permit and training in the state, guns.com reported.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety currently charges $60 for new permits and $43 for renewals. Firearm training costs vary across the state.
Supporters of the new bill say it will help improve public safety in the state.
“Law enforcement have told us time and again that the first line of defense are those that carry CCW permits,” Mr. Montenegro, Avondale Republican, said in an interview with local radio station KJZZ. “In essence, what it does is it’s bringing a level of awareness that we want to make sure that we can say maybe the next generation of those that want to have or possess firearms, they understand that we as a state value making sure that people are educated in how to use weapons or how to carry weapons.”
Arizona is a “constitutional carry” state, meaning anyone who is able to legally possess a handgun may carry one concealed without a permit. The state has granted permits to those who apply through a lenient shall-issue system. The state currently does not require a training program to obtain a permit.
According to state statistics, about 251,000 people have obtained concealed carry weapons permits.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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