Allowing concealed weapons permit holders to carry on college campuses would cost Arizona’s public universities more than $13 million up front, and more than $3 million a year, according to a new study released by the Arizona Board of Regents. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Arizona Capitol (Photo by Mark Brodie - KJZZ)

MARK BRODIE: Senate Bill 1474 would require public community colleges and universities to allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry on campus, unless the schools provided secure gun storage lockers and signs. The fiscal impact study finds the universities would have to spend $13.3 million up front for the lockers and signs, in addition to the yearly cost. But the Arizona Director of Students for Concealed Carry says the universities wouldn’t have to spend that money, if they allowed concealed weapons permit holders to bring their guns onto campus. The Arizona Board of Regents’ Katie Paquet, though, says university presidents, campus police chiefs and the regents all want to keep guns off campus.

KATIE PAQUET: So I think we would look to take all precautions possible to keep firearms out of public buildings and campus in general.

BRODIE: A senate committee approved the bill a few weeks ago, but its sponsor acknowledges there don’t appear to be enough votes in the senate now to move it forward.