Concealed guns with no permits nearly OK (AZ)

Concealed guns with no permits nearly OK

Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services
Posted: Friday, April 9, 2010 12:00 am

Excerpt:

PHOENIX - Arizona is on the verge of becoming the third state to let just about any adult carry a concealed weapon.

Without a word of debate, the House voted 36-19 on Wednesday to eliminate the criminal penalties that now exist if someone has a hidden gun without the necessary state permit. The Senate already has approved the measure.

That leaves only the anticipated signature of Gov. Jan Brewer on SB 1108. The change would become official 91 days after the legislative session ends, which at the current projection would put the new law on the books at the end of July.

Gubernatorial press aide Paul Senseman said she wants to review the final version before making a decision. But he indicated that, barring something unexpected in the bill, it will get her signature.

"Governor Brewer has been a longtime supporter of and vigorous protector of Second Amendment rights," he said. And Brewer herself, talking about Arizona history last year to the National Rifle Association, cited what she said was this state's long tradition of people with guns, often not visible.

"You know, a saloon girl or two were even known to keep a derringer in their garter belt, just in case," she said.

Only Vermont and Alaska permit any adult to carry a concealed weapon.

Under current Arizona law, any qualified adult - meaning not a convicted felon or someone mentally incapacitated - can openly carry a gun. But Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, one of the main proponents of the change, said that right, while perhaps sufficient in territorial days, is meaningless for many people today.

He said it effectively disarms a woman who would want to have a gun in a purse or anyone who would like a gun on the hip but also wants to wear a jacket.

Supporters also argued those who do not want to carry openly should not have to get permission from the state.

Getting a permit currently requires attending an eight-hour, state-approved class. Subjects include the legality of the use of deadly force, marksmanship and judgmental shooting. And applicants must undergo a criminal background check.

AZ Daily Star