STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2131, sponsored by Quang Nguyen, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, to crack down on weapons and explosives trafficking tied to gangs, criminal syndicates, and racketeering enterprises.

HB 2131 closes gaps in current law by expanding the offense of weapons trafficking to include the transfer of a single weapon or explosive when done to assist or advance organized criminal activity. The bill also imposes stricter sentencing by barring probation, early release, or sentence suspension in trafficking cases involving three or more weapons or explosives, whether charged in a single offense or consolidated for trial.

The measure targets professional traffickers who arm violent criminal networks and ensures serious prison time for those who put guns and explosives into the hands of gangs.

“Gangs and criminal syndicates traffic weapons with one purpose: to commit violence and expand their control,” Chairman Nguyen said. “HB 2131 strengthens the law so prosecutors can hold traffickers accountable for every weapon they move. If you supply gangs with guns or explosives, you will go to prison. This bill shuts down a key pipeline that endangers law enforcement officers and innocent families in Arizona.”

HB 2131 passed the House with strong bipartisan support and advances the House Republican Majority Plan priority of promoting public safety by enforcing the rule of law, backing law enforcement, and keeping Arizona communities safe.

House Republicans have made public safety a top focus of the session, advancing legislation to confront violent crime, fight fentanyl trafficking, secure the border, and ensure criminals face firm consequences under Arizona law.

HB 2131 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Quang Nguyen is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County and is Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Follow him on X at @QuangNguyenAZ.