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Gov. Janet Napolitano vetoed legislation Tuesday to reduce the penalty for the offense to a $300 fine. Her action - the second time in two years - leaves violators subject to up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The move angered Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who said HB2630 was designed to protect individuals who are not committing any other crimes. He called Napolitano a "gun-grabbing, Constitution-ignoring governor."
Napolitano said that she believes the current penalties are appropriate.
"Lawful gun owners who wish to carry concealed weapons should comply with Arizona's concealed weapons laws and obtain the required permit," she wrote in her veto message.
That involves completing a state-approved training class that includes education on gun laws and proving knowledge of being able to handle the gun. Those who want such permits also have to be fingerprinted and undergo a background check.
"People who fail to do so are, by definition, lawbreakers in possession of deadly weapons," the governor said.
Napolitano said police officers tell her that "serious criminals, especially gang members," often carry concealed weapons without permits.
"Our law enforcement officers must have the full array of enforcement options to use against these violators, including the power to arrest the violator and confiscate his deadly weapon," she explained.
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