PHOENIX (AP) - Lawmakers have given initial approval to a pro-gun bill that would let Arizona join with other states to make themselves exempt from any new rules that would curtail the public’s Second Amendment rights.

The legislation is one of several gun bills making their way through the Arizona Legislature. Other efforts include limiting the enforcement of new federal firearms laws and reinforcing the right to carry concealed weapons on public sidewalks and streets that cut through schools and universities.

The bill given early approval Thursday would establish Arizona as the first in an interstate compact that other states could join. The compact would nullify and repeal any current or future law that impedes Second Amendment rights, such as mandatory background checks.

Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, said his measure stemmed from a concern that former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will use his vast fortune and political advocacy organization to make it harder to own a gun.

“This compact would not even be discussed today except a very wealthy former mayor from New York is travelling the country trying to stifle people’s Second Amendment rights,” Thorpe said Thursday during floor debate.

Democrats say they are worried Thorpe’s measure would relinquish state sovereignty and prevent the state from drafting its own gun regulations.

“If we enter into a compact of sorts, we do not allow the people of Arizona to have more say then, for instance, the state of Utah,” said Stefanie Mach, D-Tucson.

Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, opposed the measure, saying it would be easy to enter into the compact, but difficult for Arizona to back out. Member states would only be allowed to withdraw from the compact once every 10 years or during a special session of the state’s Legislature.

House Bill 2524 now awaits a formal vote. Thorpe sponsored a similar bill that failed last session.

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