Heading: Legal Battle Over Gun Ordinance in Pima County Raises Questions on Local vs State Authority

The Goldwater Institute, a civil liberties organization, is challenging Pima County’s recent ordinance that mandates gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours, facing fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance. This legal action stems from the Institute’s assertion that the county’s measure contravenes Arizona laws prohibiting local governments from enacting gun regulations. The controversy centers around a March decision by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, which passed the ordinance in a 4-1 vote, led by District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott. The regulation aims to address gun violence by targeting prohibited possessors and preventing straw purchases, a method often used to circumvent legal acquisition channels.

Parker Jackson, representing the Goldwater Institute, argues that the ordinance not only exceeds the county’s legal authority but also unfairly penalizes law-abiding gun owners without effectively deterring criminal activity. The Institute emphasizes the importance of statewide uniformity in gun laws, suggesting that the ordinance undermines efforts to maintain consistent legal standards across Arizona. Despite these objections, Supervisor Scott defends the ordinance as a necessary tool for enhancing public safety and addressing the significant health risks associated with gun violence in the community. The legal battle over the ordinance’s validity is currently progressing through the courts, highlighting a broader debate over local versus state control in gun regulation.