The Tucson City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to fight a new state law that dilutes local control.
The council will go to court to fight for its right to continue destroying confiscated handguns and semi-automatic weapons, rather than selling them as required by the state.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office had issued an ultimatum that the city stop destroying guns that police seize, or be taken to court.
In a motion following more than two-hour long executive session, the council authorized City Attorney Mike Rankin to "take all legal action necessary and appropriate to defend the City's rights, including its constitutional authority under its voter-approved Charter; and to challenge the constitutionality of SB1487 in all respects."
SB 1487, which was signed earlier this year by the governor, bars cities from passing laws that conflict with state legislation. Β
The Council directed Tucson City Manager Mike Rankin and Chief of Police Chris Magnus to suspend the destruction of firearms until the legal fight has been resolved.Β
"The Mayor and Council hereby reaffirm that the destruction of firearms acquired by TPD through its law enforcement activities serves important and compelling local interests, including the protection of public safety and the safety of Tucson's police officers, and that the City is exercising its constitutional authority under its Charter through TC 2-142, which was adopted in 2005," Councilman Steve Kozachik said as part of his motion.
