The Arizona House gave preliminary approval to a new bill that would allow people with concealed carry permits to carry their firearms on school campuses.
Senate Bill 1331 would provide legal protection to parents who have a concealed carry permit, forgot they were carrying and brought it onto school grounds. The bill would amend the state’s current law, which makes it illegal to possess a firearm on the grounds of any public school, even if the person is licensed to carry a concealed firearm.
Currently, you can possess a firearm in your vehicle on school grounds, but it must be unloaded which can cause problems.
“If I had a child in school and I was to go to drive on into the line to pick up my child, and I’m carrying a firearm, I would have to unload it, pick them up, and load it back again after I picked them up, and off campus. Loading and unloading a firearm exacerbates accidental discharges,” said Michael Infanzon, a lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League. via tuscon.com.
The Arizona State Legislature passed a similar bill in 2019, which would have allowed any school staff member to carry a gun on campus. However, the bill was vetoed by Governor Doug Ducey, who stated that the legislation needed more work before being signed into law.
The current bill has received support from some parents and gun rights advocates, who argue that it is necessary for parents to be able to defend themselves and their children while on school grounds. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Leo Biasiucci, stated that “This is about parents’ rights and the protection of their families.”
The House’s final roll-call vote would send the bill to Gov. Katie Hobbs.
