PHOENIX — State lawmakers are proposing a tactic to keep local officials from enacting new gun regulations: personal fines against those who approve these ordinances.
Legislation given final approval this week would allow a judge to award a $5,000 civil penalty against any elected or appointed official who “knowingly and willfully” violates an existing statute that preempts cities and counties from enacting any law, rule or tax relating to firearms. That covers everything from possessing and carrying a weapon to rules about how they can be stored, discharged or even given as gifts.
Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, made it clear who he currently has in his cross hairs: the Pima County Board of Supervisors…