Arkansas: Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Bill Passes and Goes to Governor

Contact Governor Beebe Immediately and Respectfully Urge Him to Sign SB 131 into Law

Senate Bill 131, the concealed handgun carry license (CHCL) confidentiality bill, passed in the Arkansas House yesterday by an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 84-3, with 13 not voting.  This legislation, introduced by state Senator Bruce Holland (R-9), would close the loophole that allows media outlets to obtain and publish the names and zip codes of CHCL holders.  Someone exercising his or her Second Amendment rights should not be put at risk of being a victim of gun theft by the public exposure of their private information.  Under SB 131, personal information of license holders would be accessible only as part of an official criminal investigation.

This legislation now goes to Governor Mike Beebe (D) for his consideration.  As previously reported, a spokesman for Governor Beebe stated that the Governor opposes this measure.  

It is imperative you call AND e-mail Governor Beebe today and urge him to reconsider his position and sign SB 131 into law. 

Please remind Governor Beebe that this legislation would offer critical privacy protection for law-abiding gun owners and that 31 states have already enacted similar protections for gun owners by classifying personal permit information contained in firearm permits as confidential.