Arizona House Majority Leader Steve Montenegro has introduced a bill that would reimburse residents for the cost of getting a concealed carry permit.
House Bill 2494 would allow Arizona residents to deduct the cost of firearms training from their state income taxes, up to $80. Costs for concealed carry training in Arizona range from about $50 to $115.
According to Arizona news station KVOA, residents who owe the state less than $80 would be able to carry the amount forward, reducing their future tax liability.
Although Arizona law allows most residents over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a permit, a concealed carry permit allows a person to carry a concealed weapon into places in which alcohol is served. Further, a majority of states honor Arizona’s concealed carry permit.
Arizona residents with a felony record are prohibited from carrying a firearm.
At least 250,000 people already have their Arizona concealed carry permits and would be ineligible for the tax break.
Montenegro says the new bill promotes safety. “We want to promote people being educated in having CCW permits,” he said. “We value those that are able to take these classes and help us with safety.”
Montenegro, who has a concealed carry permit, says that the classes not only teach people how to safely handle a firearm, but they also teach people about the laws regarding the use of deadly force. In addition, these courses teach people about situations in which it is not appropriate to use their firearm.
More than 3 million Arizona residents could be eligible to take a concealed carry course and get their $80 tax credit, which could cost the state upwards of $240 million. However, Montenegro says this cost should not be a consideration.
“We want to promote a safe Arizona,” Montenegro said. “And we can’t put a price on any lives as well.”
