VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Following Advocacy from Arizona Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Governor Katie Hobbs Vetoes Legislation to Extend Arizona’s Preemption Law 

PHOENIX — Today, the Arizona chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement applauding Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1189. The measure extends Arizona’s preemption law and restricts the power of local governments to prohibit gun shows from occurring in their cities or counties. A similar measure was also vetoed last year by Governor Hobbs.

“Local governments deserve a say in whether gun shows take place in their cities and towns,” said RJ Shannon, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Lawmakers knew the Governor would veto this measure again – yet they continue to cave to the gun lobby and its extremist ‘guns everywhere’ agenda for political points. But Arizona families see right through it. We thank Governor Katie Hobbs’ for her commitment to the safety of Arizona families and look forward to continuing working with her administration to protect our communities from gun violence.” 

Loopholes in federal background check laws have long let unlicensed sellers at places such as gun shows avoid performing a background check when selling guns. On April 11, the federal Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) finalized a rule to help close this loophole. Under SB 1189, cities and counties would have had no ability to stop gun shows from occurring – places where those who wouldn’t pass a federal background check have historically turned to purchasing firearms.

In an average year, 1,228 people die by guns in Arizona. Gun violence costs Arizona $15.9 billion each year, of which $253.2 million is paid by taxpayers. If Arizona had the gun death rate of our National Leaders—the eight states with the strongest gun safety laws—we could save 11,161 lives in the next decade. More information about gun violence in Arizona is available here. 

To speak with a policy expert or Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer, please contact [email protected].