Arizona is apparently eager to double down on its reputation for having the nation's loosest gun control laws. Awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Jan Brewer is a bill that would allow firearms in public buildings such as libraries and swimming pools.
The legislation was introduced by a Republican legislature in the wake of the shooting of former U.S. Rep. Kathy Giffords last January. Jared Lee Loughner has been charged with the shooting, which left six people dead, including a Federal Judge and a nine year-old child.
Rep. Giffords, who was shot in the head, continues to make an amazing recovery, but was nonetheless obliged to resign her Congressional seat.
Proponents of the bill say that allowing law-abiding citizens greater
freedom to carry firearms will deter criminals. Deterrence is a consistent defense put out by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to justify its emasculation of gun control.
Maricopa County (Phoenix) Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox told the local press, "I know people say with this law, it allows good guys to be armed, too, but to me that's crazy." She and others have also questioned the cost of implementing the new law.
The bill has an opt-out provision to allow cities and counties to opt out of the law, and keep firearms out of public buildings. But those opting out would be required to increase security at public buildings, including a metal detector, gun lockers, and two armed guards for each public entrance.
It is unclear that the bill's sponsors have calculated the cost of implementing the measure. Officials have estimated that it would cost Maricopa County, which has 111 public buildings, $11 million for the new equipment and $20 million to add new guard staff.
Under current Arizona gun control law, it is illegal to carry a firearm on or near school grounds or within public buildings. The ban on guns near schools would remain unchanged.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
