By Daniel Stefanski |
Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs leveled a Republican-led effort to protect Second Amendment rights in Arizona with her 18th veto of the legislative session.
Governor Hobbs vetoed SB 1096, which “prohibits a public entity from entering into a contract of $100,000 or more with a company to acquire or dispose of services, supplies, information technology or construction unless the contract includes a written certification that the company does not, and will not, discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.”
Earlier this month, the bill sponsor, Senator Frank Carroll, touted his legislation and its importance to Arizonans, writing: “I sponsored SB 1096, which would prohibit the government from doing business with companies that discriminate against those who are involved within the firearms industry, whether that’s a manufacturer, a trade association or other entity. Over the past several years, the left has failed at infringing on 2nd amendment rights through legislation, so they’re now attempting to hurt the firearms industry through financial means. The government should not enable this practice.”
Carroll mentioned that this bill was his third try to pass this policy through the Arizona Legislature.
Hobbs explained the reasoning for her veto in a customary letter to Senate President Warren Petersen, saying, “This bill is unnecessary and, if enacted, could result in banks leaving Arizona’s market. This would limit competition and increase costs for local governments, costs which ultimately fall on taxpayers.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) took note of Hobbs’ veto and signaled its immediate displeasure in the action soon after it was announced. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action stated, “Yesterday, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1096, which would have discouraged businesses from discriminating against the firearm industry by preventing Arizona taxpayer dollars from going to those that engage in such practices. This is not surprising, as Gov. Hobbs signaled her hostility towards Second Amendment rights last year by accepting the endorsements of national anti-gun groups. NRA thanks the lawmakers who worked to pass such a critical bill from the Legislature. This veto highlights how defending the Second Amendment is a never-ending task. Law-abiding gun owners must remain vigilant and continue to work to elect officials who will uphold their rights.”
The Senate passed Carroll’s bill back in February with a party-line 16-13 vote (with one Democrat member not voting). The House recently took up the proposal and cleared it with another party-line tally (31-29), paving the way for the legislation to be sent to the Governor’s Office.
During the legislative process, representatives from the Arizona Association of Counties, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, County Supervisors Association of Arizona, Arizona National Organization for Women, State Conference NAACP, and ACLU of Arizona registered in opposition to SB 1096.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
