NE Valley Times

Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and her plans to introduce Education Protection Orders aimed at gun control measures following a recent mass shooting in Maine. "Does she not understand how the legislature works? Maybe Kris Mayes should take a civics class.", said Allen Skillicorn.

"At a minimum we must be able to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who threaten our schools and universities," Mayes stated on X platform. "Next session, I plan to propose legislation for Education Protection Orders that would do just that."

"Red flag" laws allow judges to issue gun confiscation orders when an individual's behavior suggests they could pose a risk if they have access to weapons. According to AZ Free News, Mayes plans on utilizing these laws not only to seize firearms from potentially threatening individuals but also from those living with such persons. In addition, she intends to discuss other forms of gun control during the upcoming legislative session including background checks, comprehensive bans on "assault" weapons, among others.

The proposed changes were announced after the 36th mass killing of this year occurred when Robert Card, a 40-year-old U.S. Army reservist and firearms instructor shot 18 people and injured more than a dozen at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine. Card acquired his firearms legally before going missing and was later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in Lisbon Falls as reported by Associated Press.

In response to Mayes' announcement, Republican lawmakers voiced their disappointment arguing that red flag laws might infringe constitutional rights. "And if she tries, it will be an opportunity for the Legislature to push for Impeachment on Kris Mayes!" claimed Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern on X platform.

The Arizona House Democrats also released a statement last week advocating for gun safety reforms in light of the recent shooting which led their Republican colleagues into disagreement. The House Democrats' press release called on the Republicans to back gun safety reform measures.