>One could argue that strengthening the state firearms preemption law >is related to the subject of increasing the penalty for random gunfire >since the Legislature would like to be certain that localities don't >try to pass their own random gunfire ordinances so that uniformity >of the law is maintained throughout the state. > >Thus, this is an opportunity we should quickly jump on. --
The releases went out before 5:00 PM Thursday, Ted. `8-)
Phil --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 1999 For Information, Contact: Todd Rathner (520) 740-0133 or Ken Rineer (520) 740-9387 of Gun Owners of Arizona
Gun Owners Oppose Law Making Firearms Discharge a Felony
Tucson, AZ -- Responding to a planned meeting between Governor Hull and Arizona State legislators this coming Monday, the pro-firearm organization, Gun Owners of Arizona (GOAZ), has come out strongly against a proposed change in state law that would make the discharge of a firearm in city limits a felony.
“Well-intentioned or not, its unenforceable, redundant and flies in the face of common sense, said Todd Rathner, a spokesman for GOAZ and sitting NRA Director.
“Once again, Rathner stated, “were witnessing an illogical overreaction to a problem thats been more than adequately addressed under current state laws.
The proposed legislation, one of several proposed dealing with firing guns within city limits, will be the subject of a hastily put together special session scheduled for Monday, December 13. The proposed law would increase the current penalty for the reckless discharge of a firearm from a misdemeanor to a felony.
“The present laws, which already extend their penalties to cover any area within ten miles of city limits, are perfectly adequate, said Rathner.
“Just how many more laws does Arizona need? Currently, anyone who brandishes a gun and recklessly endangers public safety faces stiff felony charges. But, if someone were to shoot an urban coyote attacking their own pet in their own yard, does it make any sense whatsoever for them to be prosecuted as a felon?
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Both GOAZ and other pro-firearm organizations are concerned that the proposed law would only be used as a legal tool to harass otherwise law-abiding individuals (who might very well be within their legal right to fire a gun in defense of themselves or others) by overzealous city governments bent on eliminating private ownership of firearms.