House Bill 2763, legislation sponsored by State Representative Quang Nguyen to prevent the unilateral closure of Arizona’s public shooting ranges, passed the House Judiciary Committee today with bipartisan support on an 8–1 vote.
HB 2763 requires legislative approval before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission may close certain state-owned shooting ranges located in or near large cities. The bill adds legislative oversight to existing requirements that include public hearings, commission approval, and action by the Governor.
“This vote shows there is broad agreement that decisions affecting public safety, transparency, and long-standing public facilities should not be made behind closed doors,” said Representative Nguyen. “Members from both parties agreed these decisions must be made in the open, with accountability to the public. That is exactly what HB 2763 does.”
The bill directly impacts the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix, the largest publicly operated shooting facility in the United States and a major site for firearm safety training, hunter education, competitive shooting, and law enforcement qualification. The range has operated for decades and existed long before surrounding development.
Closing established public ranges would not eliminate shooting activity, but would push it into unregulated desert areas, creating safety hazards and environmental damage.
“With bipartisan support already on record, this bill is well positioned as it moves forward,” Representative Nguyen said. “Arizona should protect public assets, respect disclosure laws, and keep decisions of statewide importance where they belong, in public view.”
HB 2763 now advances to the full Arizona House of Representatives for consideration.
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