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Everytown, Arizona Moms Demand Action Condemn Senate Committee Passage of Dangerous Gun Bills That Would Surrender State Sovereignty and Strip Public Safety Provisions

3.24.2015

PHOENIX – The Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the statement below condemning the Senate Appropriations Committee passage of House Bill 2431 and House Bill 2320.

STATEMENT FROM BETSY SHERMAN, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE ARIZONA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION:

“This latest move by gun lobby-backed legislators in the Senate is a slap in the face to Arizonans that would tie the hands of elected officials trying to protect our kids. House Bill 2431 goes against our core values and undermines the rights of voters, legislators, and governors to make decisions about our public safety. It’s unbelievable that legislators would hand over our state rights to people who don’t even live here.

“On the same day as they passed House Bill 2431, legislators passed House Bill 2320, which would let people carry hidden, loaded guns into libraries and public sporting events, costing private businesses and taxpayers millions of dollars. My local library shouldn’t have to choose between allowing guns in the book stacks around my kids or spending its limited funds on metal detectors or security. It’s time our legislators in the Senate reject HB 2431 and HB 2320 in the interest of public safety and fostering an environment where Arizonans thrive.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSE BILL 2431 AND HOUSE BILL 2320:


  • House Bill 2431 would force Arizona to surrender its sovereignty to other states by creating an interstate compact that blocks all states that sign on from having any laws touching on the transfer of firearms. Arizona’s elected officials would be unable to write public safety laws without the consent of other states — and would not be able to leave the compact without other states’ permission.
  • House Bill 2320 would allow people to carry concealed, loaded weapons in places such as libraries, recreation centers, public sporting events, fairs, and government buildings unless these venues – which already have limited funds – can afford to outfit themselves with expensive security equipment and personnel. The bill’s fiscal note projects the cost to the state would be up to $16.9 million in the first year of enactment and up to $15.7 million in subsequent years. It is opposed by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Phoenix and Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, among other business and civic groups.