The sign in the window saying, “No Guns Allowed,” may mean nothing if state representatives agree with the senators. 

Calling Arizona’s existing law a “joke,” Republic Senator John Kavanagh sponsored SB1243, which would repeal the law allowing government agencies to designate a building a gun-free zone with a posted sign.  His plan would open all government buildings to licensed gun carriers.

Only agencies with screening detectors would be allowed to ban people from bringing guns inside a building.

"This will prevent honest, decent people from having criminals put guns to their heads,” Kavanagh said. “Because right now the little $1.98 decal that says 'no firearms allowed' on the entrance to these facilities doesn't keep bad guys out."

But, Democrat Steve Farley said, "It puts a literal gun to the head of any governmental entity that wants to decide to ban guns from its territory.”

Sighting the Department of Administration’s numbers, Farley spelled out the costs to install magnetic screening equipment. Installing one machine costs an average of $5 million and more than $3 million to operate it each year. At that rate, it would cost Arizona tax payers’ $100 million annually. 

“You either are going to allow guns anywhere or you're going to pay a whole bunch of money in order to have the secure facilities so that you can ban the guns,” Farley warned fellow Senators.

Financial barriers stopped similar bills four times in the past, including one under former Republican Governor Jan Brewer.