Local lawmakers move closer to new gun ordinance
Reporter: Marcelino Benito
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - If someone steals or you lose your guns- the Tucson City Council wants to make sure you report it to police. A new city ordinance will make it illegal if you don't. The proposal moved one step closer to reality today but not without protest from gun advocacy groups.
"If your gun is ripped off, tell TPD," says Ward 6 councilman Steve Kozachik.
The councilmember calls it a common sense law. Ken Rineer with Gun Owners of Arizona calls it unnecessary.
"It's time we stop beating up on the firearm owners," said Rineer. "We're the whipping post again."
The ordinance will require gun owners to report their stolen or lost guns to TPD within 48 hours after realizing it's gone. If you don't, you're subject to a fine. It's the latest decision that has gun groups planning their next political move.
"I think Kozachik and the mayor and council are looking for a court fight," said Ringer.
Kozachik responded, "If they want to bring a lawsuit for something as benign as what we're proposing, they should go for it. But if they don't lose in the court of law, they're going to lose in the court of public opinion."
Critics of the proposal say it's just one step closer to a gun registry.
"Frankly, it has nothing to do with that," Kozachik said. "I'm still trying to find a rational middle ground with these guys where we can agree on a common sense gun law."
Kozachik tells 9OYS this is about giving TPD another tool in its toolbox, something Police Chief Roberto Villasenor says would help them investigate violent crime.
"It helps us a lot cause we know already that they've reported that, they're not someone we'll consider a suspect in this crime," said Villasenor. "But it's a starting point for us to go forward."
Rineer just doesn't buy it. He says it's just another law passed by the council that once again is missing the mark.
"It's a solution that I think is searching for a problem," said Rineer.
The City Attorney will draft an ordinance and bring it back before the council within 60 days barring any unforeseen changes, it should pass with unanimous support.
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