PHOENIX — Today, the Arizona chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after lawmakers in both chambers passed legislation seeking to weaken the state’s gun laws. As the nation mourns the latest shootings in Nashville and Louisville, the Arizona Legislature voted on the final passage of HB 2332 and SB 1331 which would allow parents and guardians of students to carry firearms on school grounds.
“Arizona lawmakers should be working to prevent the next tragedy, not cause it,” said Elizabeth Pickering, a volunteer with the Arizona Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Bringing guns into schools poses a serious threat to the safety and security of students, teachers and staff. We look forward to Governor Katie Hobbs vetoing this measure and working with her administration and our gun sense champions at the legislature to find concrete solutions to gun violence that protect Arizona families.”
The measures passed and on their way to the Governor’s desk are:
- HB 2332 – legislation to require Arizona public school districts and charter schools to provide students with gun-lobby produced “firearm safety” training in grades six through twelve.
- SB 1331 – legislation that would allow parents and guardians of students who possess a concealed carry permit to bring guns onto school grounds and even inside school buildings. The bill even prohibits educational institutions from deciding for themselves whether to allow parents and guardians to carry guns on campus.
These measures are just the latest act by gun-lobby backed lawmakers to weaken the state’s gun laws, and put students in danger of gun violence. Earlier this year, Senate lawmakers advanced SB 1300 — a dangerous piece of legislation that would force public colleges and universities to allow hidden, loaded guns on campus.
The passage of these bills comes just days after Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed two gun-lobby backed measures, SB 1096, legislation that would provide special protections for the firearm industry by creating a burdensome new requirement for Arizona’s state and local governments, and SB 1428, legislation that would give special protections to the gun industry by explicitly restricting local governments from prohibiting gun shows from taking place.
In an average year in Arizona, 1,228 people die by guns and 919 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Arizona $15.9 billion each year, of which $253.2 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Arizona is available here. To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please reach out to [email protected].