By Howard Fischer
Mail | X: @azcapmedia

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a proposal Friday that would have imposed personal fines of $5,000 against any elected or appointed official who "knowingly and willfully'' violated existing laws that preempt cities and counties from enacting any local regulation of firearms.

Hobbs said the bill sponsored by Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, was unnecessary.

"There are existing mechanisms to challenge city ordinances,'' she wrote.

That's true according to Michael Infanzon, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League which has filed such challenges, most recently to a Pima County ordinance imposing a fine of up to $1,000 on people who fail to report the theft or loss of a firearm within 48 hours. A judge struck down the ordinance.

But Infanzon said such rulings haven't deterred officials in some cities and counties from continuing to enact restrictions.

He said they figure they have nothing to lose, what with the legal defense and any fines paid by taxpayers. Infanzon said civil fines, which officials would have to pay from their own pockets, would make them think twice.

On Friday, Hobbs found fault with 23 proposals that reached her desk, bringing her tally so far this legislative session to 75 – two more than she issued during the 2024 session.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.