Arizona Lawmakers Unite to Protect Public Shooting Ranges

Arizona lawmakers are drawing a firm line when it comes to how decisions about long-standing public facilities are made—and who gets to make them.

A Rare Point of Agreement at the Capitol

In an era when bipartisan cooperation often feels elusive, Arizona legislators from both parties came together this week around a shared concern: major public decisions should not happen quietly or without accountability. A proposal aimed at safeguarding the state’s public shooting ranges advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee with an 8–1 vote, signaling broad agreement that transparency matters.

At the heart of the measure is a simple principle—facilities that have served the public for generations should not be shuttered without meaningful public input and legislative oversight. Lawmakers emphasized that this is not about politics, but about process.

“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 State Representative Quang Nguyen. “Members from both parties agreed these decisions must be made in the open, with accountability to the public.”

Why Oversight Matters

Currently, the closure of certain state-owned shooting ranges involves agency recommendations, commission action, and approval from the Governor. The legislation moving forward adds another safeguard—requiring legislative approval before closures can occur. Supporters argue that this ensures decisions with statewide impact remain visible and accountable to the public.

Lawmakers backing the bill stressed that when facilities sit at the intersection of public safety, recreation, and community use, decisions should not be rushed or insulated from public scrutiny.

A Facility with National Significance

The debate has brought renewed attention to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix, a site that is anything but obscure. Spanning 1,650 acres, Ben Avery is the largest publicly operated shooting facility in the United States and hosts more than 120,000 shooters each year.

For decades, it has been a hub for firearm safety training, hunter education, competitive shooting, and law enforcement qualification. It is also the first government-operated facility to earn a Five Star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges—a distinction that reflects both safety standards and the quality of the recreational experience.

Supporters of the legislation note that the facility existed long before surrounding development expanded outward, a reality that underscores the tension between growth and preserving long-standing public assets.

Safety Beyond the Fence Line

One of the most compelling arguments raised during discussion was what happens when regulated spaces disappear. Closing established public ranges does not eliminate shooting activity, lawmakers warned. Instead, it often pushes it into unregulated desert areas, where safety protocols are absent and environmental damage becomes more likely.

By keeping established ranges open—or at least ensuring that any decision to close them is carefully considered—supporters argue the state is actually promoting safer outcomes for both people and land.

Keeping Decisions in Public View

As the legislation advances to the full Arizona House of Representatives, proponents say its momentum reflects more than procedural success. It reflects shared values around transparency, public trust, and responsible governance.

“With bipartisan support already on record, this bill is well positioned as it moves forward,” Nguyen said. “Arizona should protect public assets, respect disclosure laws, and keep decisions of statewide importance where they belong, in public view.”

What Comes Next

The measure now heads to the full House for consideration, where lawmakers will decide whether to enshrine these additional oversight requirements into law. Regardless of the outcome, the committee vote has already sent a clear message: when it comes to public facilities that serve millions and have stood the test of time, quiet decisions behind closed doors are no longer acceptable.

For a moment, at least, Arizona lawmakers appear united around a fundamental idea—that public assets deserve public accountability.