EJ Montini

opinion columnist

Arizona already is the nearest place to heaven for a member of the National Rifle Association.

We might even be heaven.

And yet every time it seems our lawmakers cannot possibly make it easier for anyone -- anyone -- to buy or sell a weapon to anyone -- anyone -- some clever politicians finds a way.

The latest is a proposal at the State Capitol, sponsored by Republican Rep. David W. Stevens, that would make it illegal for the state or any subdivision -- a county or city or town -- to require a background check on a private gun sale.

That's correct.

House Bill 2081 would actually make it illegal to do a background check.

Imagine that...if you dare.

The proposal comes disguised as under a heading of the transfer of "personal property." But, come one, we're talking about guns. (You'll never need a federal background check when giving Uncle Fester your old couch.)

The one big loophole in gun laws involves personal sales.

The bill reads: "Notwithstanding any other law, this state and a city, town or county shall not require as a condition of a private sale, gift, donation or other transfer of personal property that the owner of the personal property search or facilitate the search of any federal or state databases or that a third party be involved."

Something like 90 percent of the general public is in favor of universal background checks on all firearms sales. It's not a perfect solution, but it's the best possible way we have of trying to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, individuals with serious mental illness, possible terrorists and more.

Lawmakers who want to protect the public should be demanding universal background checks.

Why would our Legislature even consider doing just the opposite?

Because...Arizona.