http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-896810.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – Arizonans have always been able to carry weapons openly. And they
have been allowed to have concealed weapons since 1994. But
that's available only to those with a state permit. And that
requires a one-day class on everything from when people can use
deadly force to showing ability to handle the weapon. There's
also a background check. Late this afternoon Gov. Jan Brewer
signed a law eliminating the need for that permit. In a prepared
statement, Brewer said the legislation -- quote -- not only
protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, but
restores those rights as well. The law, which will take effect
this summer, does not wipe out the ability to get a concealed
weapon permit. And there are some advantages to doing that. One
of the biggest is that state law prohibits guns where alcohol is
served. The only exception is for those who have a state-issued
permit. The other is that other states with stricter concealed
carry laws honor Arizona-issued permits. The new law will make
Arizona the third state in the nation where any adult can carry a
hidden gun, after Alaska and Vermont. For Arizona Public Radio
this is Howard Fischer.