Pearce OKs lawmakers to carry guns in Senate

Senate Pres. Russell Pearce, seen here at the statewide Jan. 3 inauguration. (Photo by Evan Wyloge/Arizona Capitol Times)

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce says it’s OK for State Senators to carry guns inside the Senate building.

The Arizona Republic reports the Mesa Republican issued a memo Tuesday to lawmakers clarifying his policy.

Pearce says a member of the Legislature does not lose his or her Second Amendment rights when coming to work each day.

The policy does conflict with state law that prohibits weapons inside the Arizona House and Senate.

Pearce counters that the Arizona Constitution gives him the authority to make the rules within the building.

Phoenix Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says she plans to ask Pearce for a list of members packing guns.