PHOENIX (AP) - The Latest on legislation allowing the use of rat and snake-shot inside city limits (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
The Arizona House has approved legislation allowing city residents to shoot rats or snakes using small-caliber guns loaded with tiny pellets.
The proposed law would allow anyone to shoot the tiny shotgun shells inside city limits, even if they aren’t trying to kill a snake.
Wednesday’s 35-25 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed to Republican Rep. Jay Lawrence’s proposal.
The proposal amends a landmark 2000 law aimed at celebratory gunfire enacted following the 1999 death of a Phoenix teen struck by a stray bullet.
Opponents say House Bill 2022 encourages firearm use in populated areas and puts people at risk as they approach venomous snakes. Lawrence says it’s about gun rights.
It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
3 a.m.
The Arizona House plans a formal vote on a bill allowing city residents to shoot rats or snakes using small-caliber guns loaded with tiny pellets.
Wednesday’s formal vote on the proposal from Republican Rep. Jay Lawrence comes a day after GOP majority lawmakers gave it the OK on a voice vote. Democrats dissented.
The law would allow anyone to shoot the tiny shotgun shells inside city limits, even if they aren’t trying to kill a snake.
The proposal amends a landmark 2000 law aimed at celebratory gunfire enacted following the 1999 death of a Phoenix teen struck by a stray bullet.
Opponents say House Bill 2022 encourages firearm use in populated areas and puts people at risk as they approach venomous snakes. Lawrence says it’s about gun rights.
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