AZ HB2119

Courts must inform defendants in writing and on the record at sentencing of their right to restoration of civil rights, including whether restoration will be automatic or requires application.

First-time felony offenders automatically have civil rights restored upon completion of probation or absolute discharge from imprisonment if all victim restitution is paid.

Automatic restoration of firearm rights does not apply to persons convicted of dangerous offenses under section 13-704 or serious offenses under section 13-706.

Persons convicted of serious offenses may apply for firearm rights restoration no sooner than ten years after absolute discharge; persons with other felony convictions may apply after two years.

Courts must notify the Department of Public Safety of all civil rights restorations, which updates criminal history records with restoration annotations while maintaining conviction records.