SHOW LOW-The Arizona Rangers are pushing back against Senate Bill 1071, a measure introduced in the Arizona Legislature by (LD1) Sen. Finchem and (LD7) Rogers that would repeal statutory recognition of the organization and remove its exemption from state security guard licensing requirements.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Mark Finchem, R–District 1 (LD1), with Sen. Wendy Rogers, R–District 7 (LD7), listed as a cosponsor, according to legislative records.
In an official media release, the Arizona Rangers said SB 1071 is based on claims and allegations they describe as “factually inaccurate, misleading, and not supported by evidence.” The organization said those allegations were reviewed internally and found to lack merit, arguing they do not accurately reflect the Rangers’ mission, structure, oversight, or long-standing operational history.
The Rangers emphasized that SB 1071 would not affect their ability to assist law enforcement agencies. According to the organization, it has assisted in Arizona since 1957 and operates exclusively at the request of and in coordination with federal, state, county, municipal, and tribal agencies.
The Arizona Rangers are a long-standing volunteer organization that provides support services to law enforcement agencies across the state. The Rangers say they assist federal, state, county, municipal, and tribal agencies at their request, offering services that have included event security, search assistance, and community support. The organization operates as a nonprofit and states that its members do not exercise independent law-enforcement authority.
“The statute targeted by SB 1071 does not grant the Arizona Rangers authority to act,” the statement said. “It merely recognizes the organization’s historical existence.” The Rangers said their authority to assist law enforcement has always derived from formal requests, interagency cooperation, adherence to applicable laws and oversight, rather than from statute alone.
Read the Arizona Rangers statement here and join the discussion.
The organization acknowledged that if enacted, SB 1071 would primarily impact its fundraising activities as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Specifically, the Rangers said the bill would limit their ability to generate funding through specific security-related work that supports their nonprofit mission. They said they would refocus fundraising efforts toward alternative methods to ensure continued training, equipment, and operational readiness.
The Arizona Rangers said they remain committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and welcomed dialogue with lawmakers and the public. The organization added that its commitment to supporting law enforcement and serving the people of Arizona would continue regardless of whether the bill passes.
You can create an RTS account at the AZ Capital on the Arizona Citizens Defense League, or call Sen. Rogers and Finchem to voice your stance on this bill.
Senator Rogers: (602) 926-3042 wrogers@azleg.gov
Senator Finchem: (602) 926-3631 mfinchem@azleg.gov
SB 1071 remains under consideration in the Arizona Legislature.
