Drizzt
Member
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
February 17, 2003, Monday, BC cycle
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 1087 words
HEADLINE: House votes to reduce penalty on concealed weapons
BYLINE: By PAUL DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: PHOENIX
BODY:
The Arizona House narrowly voted Monday to reduce the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Under the bill (HB2321) sent to the Senate on a vote of 32-27 - one more than the minimum 31 needed for House passage - violations would be a petty offense punishable by a fine of $50 or less. They now are misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail.
Supporters said the change would help responsible citizens who carry guns and inadvertently break Arizona's concealed weapons law. Opponents said it would encourage some people who carry concealed weapons to forgo getting a permit and hamper police officers who now can seize weapons carried illegally.
"The law enforcement folks use that to get gang-bangers off the street," said Rep. John Loredo, D-Phoenix. "That's one of the most effective tools they have to get these guys out of the neighborhood."
The Arizona House on Monday approved a bill to bar state agencies and local governments from accepting identification cards like as those issued by Mexican consulates.
The bill would prohibit the state and local governments from accepting identification documents unless they are issued by a U.S. state or federal authority and can be verified by law enforcement or security agencies.
The bill (HB2316) includes exceptions for reporting and investigating crimes. Approved 34-25, it now goes to the Senate.
The cards issued by Mexican consulates are increasingly used by illegal immigrants who cannot legally get driver's licenses or other U.S. identification.
Separately, the House approved, 37-22, a nonbinding memorial (HM2001) urging Congress to crack down on illegal immigration, to provide more money for border states and to allow increased military presence along the nation's borders.
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
February 17, 2003, Monday, BC cycle
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 1087 words
HEADLINE: House votes to reduce penalty on concealed weapons
BYLINE: By PAUL DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: PHOENIX
BODY:
The Arizona House narrowly voted Monday to reduce the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Under the bill (HB2321) sent to the Senate on a vote of 32-27 - one more than the minimum 31 needed for House passage - violations would be a petty offense punishable by a fine of $50 or less. They now are misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail.
Supporters said the change would help responsible citizens who carry guns and inadvertently break Arizona's concealed weapons law. Opponents said it would encourage some people who carry concealed weapons to forgo getting a permit and hamper police officers who now can seize weapons carried illegally.
"The law enforcement folks use that to get gang-bangers off the street," said Rep. John Loredo, D-Phoenix. "That's one of the most effective tools they have to get these guys out of the neighborhood."
The Arizona House on Monday approved a bill to bar state agencies and local governments from accepting identification cards like as those issued by Mexican consulates.
The bill would prohibit the state and local governments from accepting identification documents unless they are issued by a U.S. state or federal authority and can be verified by law enforcement or security agencies.
The bill (HB2316) includes exceptions for reporting and investigating crimes. Approved 34-25, it now goes to the Senate.
The cards issued by Mexican consulates are increasingly used by illegal immigrants who cannot legally get driver's licenses or other U.S. identification.
Separately, the House approved, 37-22, a nonbinding memorial (HM2001) urging Congress to crack down on illegal immigration, to provide more money for border states and to allow increased military presence along the nation's borders.