Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The "guns on campus" bill died for lack of support and was pulled by its sponsors some weeks ago.
But the bill for an "unfunded government mandate" to humor the tiny minority of gunowners who suffer from a superman complex so they can carry their weapons on public property, HB 2729, has passed the Arizona legislature and has been sent to the Governor. Arizona Senate OKs bill on guns in public buildings
The Arizona Legislature has given final approval to a bill that could allow guns on public property, including city halls, police stations, county courts, senior centers, swimming pools, libraries and the state Capitol.
[Yes, Guns at swimming pools? Seriously? "Is that a handgun tucked in your Speedo? Or are you just really happy to see me big boy!"]
Gov. Jan Brewer has five days to sign the bill into law, veto it or do nothing and allow it to become law. If the bill becomes law.
Arizona already ranks among the most pro-gun states in the nation. Arizona is one of only a handful of states to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit or training.
The bill is sponsored by Neoconfederate "states' rights" Rep. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, and is being pushed by the Arizona Citizens Defense League, a "happiness is a warm gun" group.
Arizona cities and counties are railing against House Bill 2729, saying they'll either have to let guns into buildings where the public would rather not have them or pay millions of dollars to provide the security required to keep them out.
A study conducted by legislative staff estimates that security costs for a government entity to ban guns could range from $5,000 to $113,800 per public entrance in the first year with ongoing costs of $54,400 to $108,800 per year. The amounts are based on estimates that the annual salary and related costs of a security guard are $54,000, and some entrances may need two officers, depending on traffic. The study estimates stationary metal detectors cost $4,000 each and a hand-held detector costs $400.
"Maricopa County reports that if firearms are prohibited from all county buildings that currently do not have the security features outlined in the bill, it would cost $19.5 million in ongoing costs and an additional $11.3million in one-time equipment costs," the study says.
The Arizona Republic editorialized against the cost of this "unfunded government mandate," Financial reality of bill would be harsh:
The Legislature's push to allow guns in public buildings would have widespread collateral damage.
Unless they want to risk turning buildings into the O.K. Corral, the state and local governments would have to spend tens of millions of dollars on security measures. Not just once, but every year.
The only way to get the money would be to raise taxes or scrimp on parks, roads, police and all the other basic services that make a place livable.
* * *
HB 2729 is part of a relentless campaign by a tiny minority of people who want to allow guns every place short of preschools (where, undoubtedly, they'd like the staff to be armed).
The vast majority of Arizonans disagree. They don't see the Second Amendment as a blank check to carry heat everywhere — just as the First Amendment isn't a free pass for someone to yell "Fire!" in a crowded building.
And what was the legislature's response? Check out this this classic from one of the "intellectual lights" of the Senate, Cap'n Al Melvin. On Brewer's desk: bill to ease gun limits in public buildings:
[Melvin] said society is divided into three groups: unarmed sheep, armed sheepdogs and wolves, who are the bad guys.
"It takes sheepdogs to protect the sheep from the wolves," Melvin said. He said that is why Arizona needs more people who have permits to carry concealed weapons.
Exhibit "A" for a gunowner who suffers from a superman complex. Seek professional help, Cap'n.
And this from his soon-to-be seatmate in the New LD 11. Arizona Senate OKs bill on guns in public buildings:
Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, was not deterred by the talk of costs. He voted for the bill.
"No cost is too high to protect my constitutional rights," Smith said.
Ah, spoken like a true narcissist: "It's all about me, baby!" Tell you what, smartass, since "no cost is too high" for you, let's follow my plan:
[This is one] of those "unnecessary government regulations" that drive up the cost of doing business that Tea-Publicans are always whining about. And this would cost taxpayers money just to humor the "happiness is a warm gun" crowd. Why not charge gunowners a user fee and let them pay for it? Typical Tea-Publicans: always making demands without having to pay for it (unfunded government mandates). Deadbeats!
Law enforcement, chambers of commerce, court organizations and the Arizona Library Association have registered their opposition to the bill.
Garrick Taylor of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry sent a letter to lawmakers opposing HB 2729. He said the bill violates private property rights, will impact private landowners with both public and private tenants, doesn't include exceptions to protect critical infrastructure such as power facilities, and will have a significant fiscal impact.
A similar bill passed the legislature last year, but Governor Brewer vetoed it. Call Gov. Brewer at 1-(800)-253-0883 and tell her to veto HB 2729.
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