Arizona possibly reducing penalty for forgetting to have concealed handgun permit with you

For Arizonans who carry concealed weapons, forgetting to bring along a permit can lead to a misdemeanor charge, four months in jail and a $750 fine.
But a bill approved Wednesday by the state Senate and headed to Gov. Janet Napolitano would reduce the charge to a petty offense carrying no jail time and a fine of up to $300.
A group representing law enforcement professionals in Arizona said forcing people to carry permits protects police officers and the public.
But Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, sponsor of HB 2469, said forgetting a permit shouldn't be a crime in the first place.
"It's the silliest thing," Pearce said. "We are charging people with criminal offenses because they don't have a piece of paper on them." . . .

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