Foes say it doesn’t go far enough
By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
A Senate panel voted 4-3 on April 19 to allow judges to force some people to surrender their weapons – but only after a multi-step process that supporters say will protect due process rights.
But SB1519 has what foes say is a glaring loophole. It does nothing to expand existing laws designed to ensure that those people who should not have a gun from getting one, such as universal background checks before a weapon can be sold.
Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce and Public Safety, said it was purposely designed that way.
“Pridefully, mind you, I’m A-plus rated by the NRA,” he told dozens of people who came to testify.
“I intend on keeping it that way,” Smith said. “I am not going to run a piece of legislation that I think runs afoul to our constitutionally guaranteed Second Amendment rights.”
But Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Phoenix, who raised the question of expanding requirements for background checks on potential buyers, said she disagrees with how Smith sees the issue.
“I don’t think we’re asking to take away gun rights,” she said. “I support responsible gun owners.”
