PHOENIX, ARIZONA — Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Bullhead City, recently introduced to the House a bill which could allow students and faculty attending public universities to carry their concealed firearms onto campus. Right now, the reagent directors get to decide the firearms policy for Arizona institutions of higher learning. House Bill 2072, would theoretically authorize carriage of said firearms provided the student or faculty member applied and received his or her permit from the Department of Public Safety.
via AZ Central
“An individual should be able to defend themselves if the need arises,” Borrelli said in a statement. “A conversation must be started about the failed university and college policies that don’t allow faculty or students to defend themselves that is permitted by the state and that is their right under both U.S. and Arizona Constitution.”
A previous measure had been introduced in 2011 but was vetoed by former Republican Governor Jan Brewer. Another unsuccessful attempt was made in 2012 to introduce a similar measure but it never made muster in the legislative body.
Arizona is a constitutional carry state for residents in all places permitted to carry. For Arizona residents wishing to travel out of state, they may apply for a permit through the Department of Public Safety and enjoy a pretty fair degree of reciprocity amongst the other states. However, campus carry still appears to be a topic which has struck a good deal of contention alike many other states currently proposing similar or advanced legislation.
Campus carry has become a hot topic in recent years because of the “gun free zone” designation many of them maintain. Texas was one recent state to strike down their own “gun free zone” status for public universities but still leave the ultimate measure of certain special exclusion zones available to administrators.
Arizona students and faculty attending public institutes of higher learning may still keep their firearms secured in their vehicles provided they remain out of sight.