AZ at it again..........
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:09 pm
Ariz. Senate approves bill to allow guns in public buildings that lack security protection.
TERRY TANG Associated Press
First Posted: April 12, 2012 - 7:59 pm
Last Updated: April 12, 2012 - 8:01 pm
PHOENIX — Arizona gun owners will legally be able to carry their firearms in public buildings under a bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer for signature.
The state Senate gave final approval on Thursday to legislation allowing guns in government buildings unless security measures — including armed guards, metal detectors and gun lockers — are in place.
Supporters say the measure is necessary for public safety.
"Either we protect ourselves or the government disarms everyone at the doors," said Charles Heller, a lobbying force behind the legislation.
"Those are the two choices. A stupid sign will not protect us — either the right to carry or a metal detector will."
Critics say the bill is an unnecessary, unfunded mandate on local governments.
"We are going to have some cities and towns who are just going to let the weapons in," said Dale Wiebusch, a legislative associate with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
The Senate backed the measure on an 19-11 vote, mostly along party lines with Republicans in favor.
Brewer vetoed a similar bill last year, but Heller thinks the Republican governor will sign this version.
"We specifically fixed in this bill the things that the governor didn't like," said Heller, a spokesman for the Arizona Citizens Defense League. "There is no reason if it gets to her desk — if she keeps to her word from last year — there's no reason she shouldn't sign it."
Wiebusch said this law leaves him worried about municipal budgets, saying local governments in the middle of crafting their budgets may have to earmark funds for security in buildings.
He cited a fiscal report that estimates an agency could spend anywhere from $5,000 to $114,000 for every entrance in one public building.
Cities such as Glendale, Prescott and Tempe have all reported the legislation would result in combined ongoing costs of more than $2 million to make sure public buildings staff law enforcement officers or armed security guards and install metal detectors or X-ray machines, signs and storage lockers.
Places in rural Arizona might not have the means to retain any officers or equipment, Wiebusch said.
Big cities such as Phoenix with more dispersed government buildings may have to take police off of busier beats.
"You put officers on the 'entrance beat,' you're going to have to take them off the streets," Wiebusch said.
In March, a proposal to let gun owners bring concealed weapons onto Arizona university and college campuses failed to garner enough lawmaker support to advance.
The measure drew strong opposition from university officials and police chiefs.
TERRY TANG Associated Press
First Posted: April 12, 2012 - 7:59 pm
Last Updated: April 12, 2012 - 8:01 pm
PHOENIX — Arizona gun owners will legally be able to carry their firearms in public buildings under a bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer for signature.
The state Senate gave final approval on Thursday to legislation allowing guns in government buildings unless security measures — including armed guards, metal detectors and gun lockers — are in place.
Supporters say the measure is necessary for public safety.
"Either we protect ourselves or the government disarms everyone at the doors," said Charles Heller, a lobbying force behind the legislation.
"Those are the two choices. A stupid sign will not protect us — either the right to carry or a metal detector will."
Critics say the bill is an unnecessary, unfunded mandate on local governments.
"We are going to have some cities and towns who are just going to let the weapons in," said Dale Wiebusch, a legislative associate with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
The Senate backed the measure on an 19-11 vote, mostly along party lines with Republicans in favor.
Brewer vetoed a similar bill last year, but Heller thinks the Republican governor will sign this version.
"We specifically fixed in this bill the things that the governor didn't like," said Heller, a spokesman for the Arizona Citizens Defense League. "There is no reason if it gets to her desk — if she keeps to her word from last year — there's no reason she shouldn't sign it."
Wiebusch said this law leaves him worried about municipal budgets, saying local governments in the middle of crafting their budgets may have to earmark funds for security in buildings.
He cited a fiscal report that estimates an agency could spend anywhere from $5,000 to $114,000 for every entrance in one public building.
Cities such as Glendale, Prescott and Tempe have all reported the legislation would result in combined ongoing costs of more than $2 million to make sure public buildings staff law enforcement officers or armed security guards and install metal detectors or X-ray machines, signs and storage lockers.
Places in rural Arizona might not have the means to retain any officers or equipment, Wiebusch said.
Big cities such as Phoenix with more dispersed government buildings may have to take police off of busier beats.
"You put officers on the 'entrance beat,' you're going to have to take them off the streets," Wiebusch said.
In March, a proposal to let gun owners bring concealed weapons onto Arizona university and college campuses failed to garner enough lawmaker support to advance.
The measure drew strong opposition from university officials and police chiefs.
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