WASHINGTON — A bipartisan Senate proposal to expand background checks for gun buyers gained the backing of one Republican and the potential support of a second Sunday as sponsors said the vote expected this week was too close to call.

TUCSON — Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, keep pushing for stricter gun laws as they continue to own weapons for recreational purposes, including the same type of gun used in the January 2011 shooting rampage that left Giffords wounded.

An Arizona lawmaker invited a bulletproof vest retailer to do a demonstration at the state Capitol but canceled the event on Monday after a legislative lawyer advised him that making a sales pitch to lawmakers on state property was improper.

A bill to arm teachers and administrators could become law, sparking new gun debate


The measure, sponsored by Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, has been approved by the Senate. Now, lawmakers are tweaking the bill in the House.

Some Arizona leaders say gun ownership contributes to domestic violence.

State Sens. Katie Hobbs and Olivia Cajero Bedford are leading a campaign in Arizona to connect weak gun laws and domestic abuse.

The Arizona Senate today defeated 18 amendments sponsored by Democrats for a bill to prevent the destruction of firearms surrendered to law enforcement agencies.

Teachers, administrators and school employees will be allowed to carry a concealed handgun into classrooms next school year if a bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday becomes law.

A sharply divided Arizona House panel approved a bill Wednesday that allows designated teachers, administrators or other employees in remote rural schools to carry a handgun.

Residents of the nation’s sixth-largest city can get $100 gift cards for turning in handguns, rifles and shotguns and $200 for turning in assault weapons under an upcoming buyback program funded by an anonymous $100,000 donation.

TUCSON — The owner of a Tucson gun store where former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ husband purchased a semi-automatic rifle has canceled the transaction.