Some lawmakers want gun control debate in Arizona

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - People across the country are engaging in emotional debates about gun control.

Here at the Arizona State Capitol, flags remain at half-staff to honor the victims of the Florida massacre last week, but inside the capitol, there is no talk of gun control, and the only bill being debated eases gun restrictions for foster parents.

Gun control has not been a popular topic in our state, but some lawmakers say it's time to have the talk.

"Because of the process we are not even having a conversation about what would be possible, what would be sensible to do," Kelli Butler (D-AZ) said.

Last week, House lawmakers okayed a bill that lets college students carry non-lethal weapons, like stun guns and pepper spray, on campus.

In 2016, a bill that would've allowed faculty and students to carry concealed guns died in legislation. This year, there is only one gun bill under consideration, which would lift a DCS requirement that foster parents keep firearms in their homes locked up.

"I'm hopeful, but not hope-filled at this capitol," Daniel Hernandez (D-AZ) said.

Hernandez helped Gabby Giffords during the 2011 Tucson shooting. He has an idea that he hopes will gain some steam: a law that would restrict certain people from buying guns.

"Extreme risk protective orders... if you have somebody who's a loved one exhibiting signs, saying things that are threatening, you can temporarily restrict their access to guns until there's an adjudication process," he said.

The latest shooting on a school campus in Arizona took place last month when a 14-year-old boy shot and killed himself at an elementary school in Sierra Vista.