PHOENIX ― A House Republican concerned about active shooter situations has introduced a measure allowing holders of concealed weapons permits to carry firearms on college campuses.
Bill sponsor Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, said Wednesday that recent school shootings in Oregon at Umpqua Community College and Northern Arizona University highlight the Legislature’s need to examine the issue. “We have to have a responsible conversation about firearms on campus,” Borrelli said.
House Bill 2072 bars universities and their governing boards from adopting any rule that stops a faculty member or student from carrying a firearm on campus. The bill says they can carry their weapons as long as they have concealed carry permits and abide by guidelines established by either colleges and universities or the Arizona Board of Regents.
Eight states have similar laws, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas and Oregon. The Texas legislature has passed a bill set to take effect in August, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Arizona law doesn’t prohibit people from carrying weapons on college campuses, but the Arizona Board of Regents does not allow students or faculty to carry any weapons on campus or at any university-sponsored activity except when it’s locked in a vehicle and hidden from view. Community colleges also do not generally allow firearms on campuses.
Borrelli said the Board of Regents’ current policy is not protecting students or faculty. He said he welcomes stakeholder meetings with the board to develop the language of the measure.
Arizona has more than 250,000 registered carriers. To get a permit, individuals must be over 21 years old, go through a background check and have firearms training.
Borrelli said that while he doesn’t think everyone should be able to carry a firearm on college campuses, those who have concealed weapons permits are responsible enough to carry.
