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 applauding Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for or vetoing 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.
“It’s time we hold the gun industry accountable for their role in our gun violence crisis, not give them even more protection than they already have,” said Anne Thompson, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We applaud Governor Katie Hobbs for taking decisive action to protect taxpayer dollars and urging the legislature to focus on actual solutions instead of handouts to the gun industry. Now, we look forward to working with her administration and our gun sense champions in the legislature to find common-sense gun safety solutions that protect Arizona families from gun violence.”
Proponents of the bill were seeking to prohibit public entities from contracting with companies unless they certify that they do not “discriminate” against the firearm industry; forcing state and local governments to turn down bids from contractors even if the contractor offers the goods or services at the best value to the taxpayers. Governor Hobbs’ veto of this bill is a crucial step in reaffirming that state and local governments have a responsibility to serve the needs of their constituents, not the gun industry.
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].