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Arizona's constitution, adopted in 1912, bars lawmakers from impairing in any way the right of individuals to bear arms.

But Arizonans did not have the right to carry concealed weapons until the law was changed in 1994.

Those wanting a permit must pass an eight-hour course approved by the Department of Public Safety which includes information on applicable laws about when it is permissible to use deadly physical force, as well as time on a shooting range.

Applicants must be at least 21, not convicted of any felony or domestic violence and not be a user of or addicted to any controlled substance.

Lawmakers have repeatedly moved to ease the laws, with mixed success. Just last month the governor vetoed a measure that would have said people without permits do not violate concealed weapons laws if their guns are partially hidden.

PHOENIX — A leading legislative proponent of easing state gun laws carries her firearm into the Senate building — an apparent violation of state law.

Sen. Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, made the admission Thursday to Capitol Media Services while explaining why she is pushing legislation to ease the penalty on those who carry a concealed firearm without getting the required state permit.

SB 1629 gained final Senate approval on a 21-5 vote. It now is on the desk of Gov. Janet Napolitano who has refused to say whether it will meet the same fate as a similar measure she vetoed last month.

Johnson said she believes those who want to carry a gun not visible to others should go through the required training and background check. But she said those who don't should not be subject to a six-month jail term, as the law currently allows.

Her legislation would reduce the penalty to a $300 fine for a first offense.

Johnson said her gun, a .22-caliber, eight-shot revolver, is "everywhere I go." She said that includes when she comes into the Senate building, though she leaves her purse — and the gun in it — in her office when she goes to the Senate floor.

State law makes it a crime for anyone to bring a weapon into a public building "unless specifically authorized by law." The statute creates exceptions for police officers, members of the military performing official duties and officers of the Department of Corrections.

Questions to Senate security were referred to Senate President Tim Bee, who was not available for comment Thursday.

Johnson may not be the only legislator who brings a firearm into the Capitol complex. Several lawmakers questioned by Capitol Media Services said they have permits to carry concealed firearms. That includes House Speaker Jim Weiers.