Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Senate Republicans recently voted down a bill that would have mandated background checks on all gun sales, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

Democrats, the minority in the Arizona Senate, sought to force a vote on the measure through a procedural maneuver in late May.

"This isn't a radical idea – this isn't something that other states aren't considering or even enacting," Sen. Martín Quezada (D-Maryvale) said.

Republicans refused to submit Democratic gun bills to a committee, which would have allowed hearings and a possible formal vote on the floor, FOX 10 Phoenix reported. Quezada circumvented that procedure and brought the legislation directly to the floor.

The attempt to advance the measure resulted in 16 Senate Republicans voting against it and 13 Democrats in favor.

The measure would have closed the gun show loophole, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. This loophole lets an individual purchase a firearm without undergoing a background check, which federally registered gun dealers are supposed to perform.

"We have that loophole built into our public policy," Quezada said. "And closing it, fixing this policy, would save lives."

Sen. Raquel Terán (D-Alhambra) argued in favor of the measure. She said that hearing stories of the children killed in the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting brought up thoughts of her own son.

"The ask here is to vote on common-sense legislation," Teran said. "If this is not it, what is it? Let's come to the table, let's work together; I know we can."

Sen. Rick Gray (R-Youngtown) noted the amount of gun violence in Chicago, despite Illinois' strict gun control legislation, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.

"Night after night, week after week, year after year, children are dying of gun violence in Chicago," he said. "But, when it comes to Texas, let's stir this up, and let's make a political statement here to pass gun laws."

Sen. Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) said that he would not support the Democrats' proposal.

"The reason why this bill should not be supported is because it will stop law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves," Petersen said. "Criminals will not abide by this law. Only law-abiding citizens will abide by this law. I vote 'no' so good guys with guns can stop bad guys with guns." 

Democrats remarked that armed "good guys" were unable to defend the children in Texas from the shooter.

"This 'good guy with a gun' nonsense – if you read the papers, there were multiple police officers, armed police offers, standing outside in the parking lot when the guy was in the classroom killing children," Sen. Rebecca Rios (D-Laveen) said.