The Arizona House of Representatives approved legislation this week that would impose mandatory prison sentences on individuals who supply firearms and explosives to criminal organizations.
Representative Quang Nguyen (R-AZ), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, authored House Bill 2131 to address significant gaps in the state's weapons trafficking statutes.
Under current law, prosecutors have a hard time proving cases against people who supply guns to gangs and criminal groups. Nguyen’s legislation expands trafficking laws to include the transfer of even a single firearm or explosive device if it is intended to support organized criminal activity.
"Gangs and criminal syndicates traffic weapons with one purpose: to commit violence and expand their control," Nguyen said. "HB 2131 strengthens the law so prosecutors can hold traffickers accountable for every weapon they move."
The Measures Terms
The bill would then remove judicial discretion to impose reduced sentences in serious cases. Individuals convicted of trafficking three or more weapons or explosives would be subject to mandatory prison terms, without eligibility for probation, early release, or suspended sentences.
Nguyen emphasized the measure targets professional traffickers who knowingly arm violent networks rather than lawful gun owners.
"If you supply gangs with guns or explosives, you will go to prison," he said. "This bill shuts down a key pipeline that endangers law enforcement officers and innocent families in Arizona."
Current laws often require proof of large-scale operations to secure convictions. The proposed changes would give prosecutors stronger tools to act when weapons are funneled into criminal networks.
The legislation received bipartisan support that addresses a serious public safety threat. However, some groups have raised concerns about the mandatory sentencing provisions and their long-term impact.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If passed, Arizona would take a tougher approach to prosecuting those who supply weapons to criminal organizations.
