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VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Following Advocacy by Arizona Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, Governor Katie Hobbs Vetoes Legislation to Allow Guns on School Grounds and to Require Students to Receive Gun-Lobby Backed “Firearm Safety” Training

4.18.2023

PHOENIX — Today, the Arizona chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement applauding Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1331 and HB 2332. The first measure would allow parents and guardians who possess a concealed carry permit to bring guns onto school grounds and even inside school buildings. While the second bill, would require Arizona public school districts and charter schools to provide students with gun-lobby produced “firearm safety” training in grades six through twelve. 

“Bringing guns into our schools in any capacity is unacceptable,” said Lisa Kopp, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are grateful for Governor Katie Hobbs’ leadership and commitment to protecting the well-being of Arizona families. We look forward to continuing to work with her administration and our gun sense champions in the legislature to find concrete gun safety solutions that protect us from the threat of gun violence.” 

These vetoes are just the latest from gun sense champion Governor Katie Hobbs who in recent weeks vetoed two gun-lobby backed measures, including SB 1096, legislation that would provide special protections for the firearm industry by creating a burdensome new requirement for Arizona’s state and local governments, and SB 1428, legislation that would give special protections to the gun industry by explicitly restricting local governments from prohibiting gun shows.  

In an average year in Arizona, 1,228 people die by guns and 919 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Arizona $15.9 billion each year, of which $253.2 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Arizona is available here. To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please reach out to [email protected].