Looser gun laws proposed in Arizona

PHOENIX, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Weeks after the Tucson massacre, some Arizona legislators want to expand gun rights further.

Last year, the Legislature legalized carrying concealed weapons without a permit.

Now gun advocates are promoting a "Firearms Omnibus" bill that would allow guns on college campuses and inside government buildings, including the state Capitol, The Arizona Republic reported Monday.

Under Senate Bill 1201, public places or events could ban firearms only if they post the correct sign, provide firearm lockers, and have armed security and a metal detector. The law would apply to university classrooms, city buses and community festivals that get government permits but not K-12 schools.

People could sue if they believe they were illegally prevented from carrying a weapon into a government facility or event. If a person wins the suit and the agency does not pay within 72 hours, the person could seize as payment "any municipal vehicles used or operated for the benefit of any elected office holder" in the agency.

Gov. Jan Brewer already has signed bills allowing loaded guns in bars and restaurants, and forbidding property owners to ban guns from parking lots.

Six people were killed, including U.S. District Judge John Roll, and 13 wounded Jan. 8, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., as the congresswoman met with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket.