PHOENIX β The Arizona House plans a formal vote on a bill allowing city residents to shoot rats or snakes using small-caliber guns loaded with tiny pellets.
Wednesday's formal vote on the proposal from Republican Rep. Jay Lawrence comes a day after GOP majority lawmakers gave it the OK on a voice vote. Democrats dissented.
The law would allow anyone to shoot the tiny shotgun shells inside city limits, even if they aren't trying to kill a snake.
The proposal amends a landmark 2000 law aimed at celebratory gunfire enacted following the 1999 death of a Phoenix teen struck by a stray bullet.
Opponents say House Bill 2022 encourages firearm use in populated areas and puts people at risk as they approach venomous snakes. Lawrence says it's about gun rights.
