PHOENIX, March 13 (UPI) -- The Arizona Senate is considering a bill that would allow guns in all public places unless the property has an armed security guard and metal detectors.
The House and the Senate Judiciary Committee have already passed House Bill 2729, The Arizona Republic reported Monday.
The law would make it legal for armed individuals to enter public buildings such as police stations, courts, city halls, libraries, public pools and the state Capitol unless a certified state or federal law-enforcement officer is present. It would not apply to K-12 schools, community colleges and universities.
"If I go into a building that says I can't carry my weapon, I want to make sure my family, friends and myself are secure," said Rep. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, sponsor of the bill.
A fiscal study by legislative staff said it would cost too much to install the proper security measures if the bill becomes law.
"Maricopa County reports that if firearms are prohibited from all county buildings that currently do not have the security features outlined in the bill, it would cost $19.5 million in ongoing costs and an additional $11.3 million in one-time equipment costs," the study said.
