Arizona Senators Introduce Bill to Repeal Statutory Recognition of Arizona Rangers

Two Arizona state senators have introduced legislation that would repeal statutory recognition of the Arizona Rangers, a volunteer organization that assists law enforcement agencies across the state.

The bill, filed as Senate Bill 1071, sponsored by Senators Mark Finchem (R-LD1) and Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), would remove references to the Arizona Rangers from state statute and eliminate their exemption from state security guard licensing requirements. The bill was pre-filed for the 57th Arizona Legislature’s second regular session and is currently awaiting committee action. 

What the Bill Would Do

Under current Arizona law, statute recognizes the Arizona Rangers and exempts members from certain licensing requirements when assisting law enforcement. SB 1071 would repeal that statutory recognition entirely, subjecting Rangers to the same licensing framework as other private security personnel.

Arizona Rangers Respond

In an official media release, the Arizona Rangers strongly disputed the bill’s basis, describing SB 1071 as grounded in inaccurate claims. According to the organization, “The statute targeted by SB 1071 does not grant the Arizona Rangers authority to act. It merely recognizes the organization’s historical existence.”

The release further emphasized that the Rangers’ ability to assist law enforcement “has always derived from formal requests, interagency cooperation, adherence to applicable laws and oversight,” not from the statutory language SB 1071 seeks to remove. 

The Rangers also warned that, if the bill becomes law, its primary impact would be on their nonprofit operations: “SB 1071 would primarily impact our fundraising activities,” the statement said, noting that the measure could limit certain security-related fundraising work that supports training and operational readiness. 

The organization concluded,

“The Arizona Rangers remain committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and we welcome constructive dialogue to ensure policymakers and the public have accurate, complete information. Our commitment to serving the people of Arizona and supporting our law enforcement partners has remained constant for nearly seven decades and will continue regardless of legislative changes.”

Legislative Status

As of publication, SB 1071 has been introduced but has not yet received a committee hearing or floor vote. No fiscal impact estimate has been posted.

The California Globe has reached out to Sens. Finchem and Rogers for comment. However, no response was received as of publication.