State lawmakers are moving to increase oversight of Arizona’s public shooting ranges. House Bill 20-73, sponsored by Prescott-area state Representative Quang Nguyen, cleared the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday with bipartisan support in an 8–1 vote.
The bill would require legislative approval before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close certain state-owned shooting ranges near urban areas.
Nguyen says the change promotes transparency and public accountability, especially for facilities like the Ben Avery Shooting Range in north Phoenix. It’s the largest publicly operated range in the country and a hub for safety training and law enforcement qualifications.
Supporters argue closing such ranges could drive shooting into unregulated areas, posing new risks.
The bill now heads to the full Arizona House for a vote.