/ Modified feb 24, 2017 4:26 p.m.

Tucson Gun Destruction Case Heads to Top State Court

The city says its charter status allows to to destroy seized guns; the state disagrees.

Tucson Skyline Night hero Overlooking the Tucson city skyline at night.
Andrew Brown/AZPM

The city of Tucson will be facing off against the state in front of the Arizona Supreme Court over the issue of destroying seized weapons.

A Tucson city ordinance says they must be destroyed, while state law says they must be sold.

The question in front of the court on Tuesday is whether or not Tucson is violating state law. The city says it is not because Tucson is a charter city, and the charter trumps state law in this case.

“We are defending home rule. We are defending the local option in terms of disposition of property and I would certainly hope the [Arizona] Supreme Court agrees this is a local issue and that our charter should prevail,” said Steve Kozachik, Tucson City Council Member.

Oro Valley state Rep. Mark Finchem, R-11, filed the original complaint against Tucson.

If the city loses the case and continues to destroy seized weapons it could result in the loss of state funding.

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