Ariz. lawmakers mull looser gun law
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Ariz. lawmakers mull looser gun law
Published: Feb. 22, 2008 at 10:39 PM
PHOENIX, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Legislation that would allow firearm owners to
pull out their handgun as a defense is making its way through the
Arizona Legislature.
The House Judiciary Committee Thursday approved HB 2629, which would
provide immunity from prosecution for anyone engaged in the "defensive
display" of a firearm, Capitol Media Services reported Friday.
The law would protect gun owners in the Grand Canyon State as long as
they don't point their gun directly at another person, it was reported.
Critics questioned whether the bill would create a legal defense for
gang members caught brandishing their guns. Arizona Department of Public
Safety Lt. Bob Ticer told lawmakers he feared the legislation could
escalate a simple dispute into a gunfight.
The proposal says the display of a firearm is justified "to the extent a
reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately
necessary to protect himself against the other's use or attempted use of
unlawful physical force."
The measure is awaiting action by the full House